HC Deb 25 October 1966 vol 734 c819
35. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how many the number of civil servants has increased since 15th October. 1964.

Mr. Diamond

The number of non-industrial civil servants (excluding the Post Office) increased by 19,500 between 1st October, 1964, and 1st July, 1966.

Mr. Ridsdale

When does the Chief Secretary estimate that the number of civil servants will fall below the number which it was on 15th October, 1964, under a Conservative Government?

Mr. Diamond

No such estimate has been prepared.

Mr. Onslow

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that the total extra annual cost involved must be very nearly £25 million?

Mr. Diamond

The simple normal way of calculating these costs is about £1,000 per civil servant.