DURHAM will not be overlooked when Government ministers consider relocating public sector jobs from London and the South-East, the city's MP claimed last night.

Gerry Steinberg, Labour member for Durham for 17 years, has pushed the case for his constituency as a suitable home for Government departments.

He said he had been told that departments and public bodies would not restrict their consideration of new sites to larger towns and cities.

Previous reports from Whitehall suggested only towns and cities with a population of more than 100,000 would be considered.

If true, that would have ruled out Durham because it has a population of 81,000.

Mr Steinberg said it had emerged that the reports were misleading.

He said: "I sought an assurance that the best locations would be considered, irrespective of the size of the immediate population.

"I am, therefore, delighted that ministers have confirmed that a wide range of possible dispersal destinations, including smaller towns and cities, will be considered."

Mr Steinberg said criteria would be based on business needs, greater efficiency and improved public service delivery.

He said: "This is good news for Durham, with its strong history and established track record in offering effective delivery and value for money within the public sector, with the National Savings and the Passport Office prime examples of this.

"There is no doubt that Durham is an ideal location, centrally placed within the Northern region, with a main line railway, easy access to local airports and excellent transport links to all major population centres throughout the North."