HC Deb 11 November 1968 vol 773 c13
55. Mr. Speed

asked the Minister of Transport how many local authority staff are employed in road construction units; and what is the overall cost of this employment to his Department.

Mr. Marsh

1,210, Sir. The overall cost of these staff during 1968–69 is estimated at £2 million.

Mr. Speed

The Minister will be aware that these staff do excellent work, but may I ask whether it would be realistic to include their numbers and costs in the increase in the Civil Service over the past few years?

Mr. Marsh

This would be arithmetic of a rather unfair kind. Most of these people are doing similar jobs to the ones which they were doing. These are not additional staff. There is no reason why we should connive with hon. Gentlemen opposite to pretend that the growth in the Civil Service is bigger than it is.