§ 23. Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of civil servants who were employed in the Mines Department at the time of the transfer to his Department; the number of civil servants employed in his Department at the latest available date the total cost of his Department for the year 1945; and if he will estimate what the figures will be in two years' time.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Shinwell)The total number of staff employed by the Mines Department on 11th June, 1942, when the Ministry of Fuel and Power was set up was 1,522; at the same date, the Ministry absorbed the Petroleum Department and the Gas and Electricity Division of the Board of Trade, numbering a further 2,545; 4,067 in all. The total number employed by the Ministry at 1st February, 1946, including the Directorate of Opencast Coal Production, Is 8,338, and the total cost of administration for the year 1945 was£2,750,000. I am unable to give any reliable estimate of the reduction in cost 1728 ing the names and salaries of the officers concerned.
§ Following is the statement:
§ in two years' time, but I anticipate it will be considerable.
§ Sir G. FoxIs the Minister aware that, although the number of civil servants has almost doubled the public is not getting any more petrol and certainly less coal?
§ Mr. ShinwellThese figures relate largely to the past and not to the present.