§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what annual savings he expects to achieve for his Department if the proposal to close the Ports Office for Scotland and relocate its functions in London is implemented;
(2) what is the estimated cost of implementing the proposal to close the Ports Office for Scotland in Edinburgh and relocating its functions and staff in London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisIf the closure takes place we would expect initial annual savings of at least £44,000. The savings could be larger in later years. The total associated costs will depend upon the net costs of redundancies that may result from the closure of the office and consequent changes.