HC Deb 14 November 1966 vol 736 cc11-2
17. Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources his most recent estimate of the total number of civil servants who will be employed in the new Land Commission; and what their annual wages bill will amount to.

Mr. Willey

About 1,950 staff and £2½ million, respectively.

Mr. Farr

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered what effect this terrific influx of non-productive civil servants will have on our already very delicately balanced economy? Surely he will agree that 2,000 civil servants at a high wage bill like this will have a disastrous effect.

Mr. Willey

On the contrary, as the hon. Member will appreciate, I have taken all steps to avoid any duplication of staff.

Mr. Graham Page

Since the right hon. Gentleman could not say on an earlier Question how many dwellinghouse applications were likely to escape the levy, how can he estimate the number of civil servants required? How does he suddenly reduce the 2,000 of which he spoke earlier to 1,950? How has the Minister economised on this 50?

Mr. Willey

This is our latest estimate of the staff required.