§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement about proposals to close jobcentres in the New Forest district. [61921]
§ Mr. Nicholas Brown[holding answer 17 June 2002]: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive, Leigh Lewis. He will reply to the hon. Member.
Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. Desmond Swayne, dated June 2002:
As Jobcentre Plus is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the implementation of Jobcentre Plus in the New Forest area. This falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.Plans are currently being drawn up to implement the new integrated Jobcentre Plus service in Hampshire. As part of this exercise feasibility studies are underway to examine the options for the future delivery of services within the New Forest area. One such option is to acquire new premises in one location in place of the existing Jobcentres in Ringwood, Lymington and Hythe. However, no final decisions have yet been taken.I hope this is helpful.