§ 5. Mr. Iremongerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what change in the number of civil servants he estimates will have occurred by this time next year.
§ Mr. DiamondThe 1966–67 Estimates provide for an addition of about 13,000 but do not include the staff necessary for new legislation such as the investment incentives scheme and the non-contributory benefits scheme.
§ Mr. IremongerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is following the classical Socialist pattern of high taxation, swollen bureaucracy and economic failure? It is only President Johnson who is saving him from devaluation.
§ Mr. DiamondIf I may reply to the more serious parts of the allegations, I am aware that I have a responsibility to the House for public expenditure, and I am aware of the need to keep down to the barest minimum the increase in 1096 the number of civil servants. For that reason, I am glad to tell the House that during the three years 1964–67 the increase in the number of civil servants due to a classical Socialist Administration will be less than the number engaged in the final three years of the Conservative Administration?
§ Mrs. ThatcherWill the Chief Secretary give comparable figures from 1951 to 1954?
§ Mr. DiamondThe figures have already been given by my hon. Friend and were published in HANSARD.
§ Sir D. RentonWhat will be the cost of these extra 13,000 civil servants?
§ Mr. DiamondThe rough cost is always £1,000 a head.