Oral Answers to Questions — Defence – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 5 February 1974.
Mr Bruce Millan
, Glasgow Craigton
12:00,
5 February 1974
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for transferring Ministry of Defence jobs to Scotland.
Mr George Younger
, Ayr
Scotland is one of several possible receiving locations being considered preparatory to a decision being taken about the possibility of further dispersal of Ministry of Defence work.
Mr Bruce Millan
, Glasgow Craigton
When will the decision be announced about dispersal following the Hardman Report? Can the Minister confirm that the 11,000 Ministry of Defence headquarters jobs which are recommended for dispersal will in fact be dispersed? Will he take a particular look at Scotland, which in the past has been given only Ministry of Defence jobs which no other parts of the country have wanted and would very much welcome these headquarters jobs?
Mr George Younger
, Ayr
I note with great interest what the hon. Member says. We do not say that we are surprised by his comments but I am grateful to him. We will try to get a decision as soon as possible, but it is not a decision solely for my Department to take; it is a matter for the Government as a whole. There will be no unnecessary delay in taking the decisions. We hope to present them in due course.
Mr Jeffrey Archer
, Louth Borough
Before my hon. Friend transfers any jobs to Scotland, will he make a statement on the jobs at Manby and North Coates in my Constituency, and will he make it before the next election?
Mr George Younger
, Ayr
I am not sure whether my hon. Friend will agree that the date could be likened to the Greek calends. However, I note what he says and if he has a particular question about Manby I will do my best to answer it.
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