asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will make a statement con cerning the transfer of a Government Department to Durham.

I am not yet in a position to make a statement, but I am continuing to make efforts to find a suitable Government office for transfer to Durham.

When will the Government make up their mind about this matter? It has been considered for the past six or seven years, which is a long time. May I ask the hon. and learned Gentleman to bear in mind that the city council and the county council are anxious that the Minister should determine what Department is coming to Durham and that a speedy decision should be made?

Both on the wider grounds, and as a political neighbour of the hon. Gentleman in the North-East, I sympathise with the view he has advanced. On the other hand, we must carefully consider the interests of the public service and particularly the interests and convenience of the staff for whom we are responsible.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise the matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.