§ Q2. Mr. Onslowasked the Prime Minister what steps he takes to keep himself informed of increases in the size and cost of the Civil Service.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to a similar Question by him on 20th December, 1966.—[Vol. 738, c. 1184.]
§ Mr. OnslowWill the Prime Minister confirm that he is aware of—indeed, responsible for—the increase of 52,000 in the non-industrial Civil Service since October, 1964, an increase in annual wages and salaries of over £115 million? If there are to be cuts, is not this the place to begin?
§ The Prime MinisterI am certainly aware of the figures given to the House yesterday, but I remind the hon. Member that under the last Conservative Government the Civil Service increased by 36,000.
§ Mr. MolloyIs my right hon. Friend aware that very many hon. Members opposite are constantly pressing for increases in a variety of public services 201 and that they crib when the personnel have to be found to fill those jobs?
§ The Prime MinisterYes. The point had not escaped me. I know that hon. Members in all parts of the House will be pleased that one of the biggest increases is in the social services, an increase of 7,200.