HC Deb 01 December 1947 vol 445 c4
6. Mr. Gammans

asked the Minister of Works what was the personnel employed by his Ministry on the 1st November, 1947, and the number on the 1st November, 1946; also the total cost in salaries and allowances on both dates.

Mr. Key

The number of non-industrial staff employed by my Department on 1st November, 1947, was 20,256 and on 1st November, 1946, 20,586. The cost of salaries and allowances was approximately £8,500,000 and £8,320,000 at those dates respectively.

Mr. Gammans

What cut in these extraordinary figures does the right hon. Gentleman expect to make in view of the reduction in the building programme?

Mr. Key

That will have to await the carrying out of the cuts in the building programme.

Mr. Molson

Has the Ministry of Works carried out the reduction in the number of civil servants which was called for in the Prime Minister's circular?

Mr. Key

We have attempted to carry out the reductions which were required, but when we get additional demands made upon us by other Departments it often makes it impossible for us to carry out the total percentage reduction.

Mr. Molson

Would the right hon. Gentleman answer my question? Has his Department carried out the reduction which was called for in the Prime Minister's circular?

Mr. Key

So far as I know, we have made our best endeavours so to do.