HC Deb 10 February 1966 vol 724 cc603-4
32. Mr. Box

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will seek to arrange that Government Departments and local authorities contemplating any significant increase in staff, where a compensating increase in productivity cannot reasonably be expected, submit their proposals for examination by the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. George Brown

I will certainly consider referring to the Board any question arising in the public sector which it could appropriately examine. But, as the hon. Member will see from the White Paper on Prices and Incomes Policy published last April, an inquiry into the size of the staffs of public authorities is outside the Board's normal rôle.

Mr. Box

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a period of 3½ years, during which the population has not increased, the Socialist Cardiff City Council has increased its staff by 2,000 and its wage bill by £2 million a year? Would not he agree that similar increases in wage costs must be going on in other bigger authorities throughout the country? Therefore, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider whether this matter is appropriate for reference to the Board?

Mr. Brown

To my personal knowledge, very much so in Conservative-controlled councils. This is a question which we have to look at. While people require, as they should, more and more improved community services, more people and more finance will be required. But we have to watch the matter very closely and make such that productivity applies in this field, too.