§ 8. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the increased annual cost of the 46,000 296 extra civil servants who will be employed in March, 1968, compared with December, 1964.
§ Mr. Diamond£55 million, calculated on the average salary for non-industrial civil servants.
§ Sir J. Langford-Holtis the right hon. Gentleman aware that this represents an increase of 11 per cent., which far exceeds the increase in the working sector of the economy? Can he say what his right hon. Friend's policy is with regard to the trends of these two percentages?
§ Mr. DiamondThese two have very little relationship to one another. As the hon. Gentleman recognises, the percentage which he quotes is not an annual percentage. The simple reason for the increase is that we have to man the services which this House deems should be carried out.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWill the right hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend to use his influence with his colleagues to reduce Government expenditure?
§ Mr. DiamondWe take note of the hon. and learned Gentleman's views.
§ Mr. LubbockIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Departments investigated by the Treasury O. & M. Section very large savings have been produced? Will he, therefore, increase the staff of the Section so as to cut down everywhere else?
§ Mr. DiamondI am grateful for the hon. Gentleman's comments. The answer to his Question about an increase in the staff of O. & M. is that it has taken place already.