asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he has had with unions representing civil servants in his Department about the regions which they would find most desirable for dispersal; and, in particular, whether he has sought to establish whether they would prefer the West Country.

The MOD Departmental Staff Side was fully consulted about possible locations prior to the Hardman dispersal decisions announced by the Lord President of the Council on 30th July 1974. Its preference was for dispersal to existing MOD establishments in southern England but, in the event, it was not possible to meet its wishes.