HC Deb 22 July 1970 vol 804 cc533-4
41. Mr. Ford

ask the Minister for the Civil Service how many businessmen he has now recruited into the Civil Service; and what salaries they are being paid.

Mr. David Howell

Six, Sir. I am circulating details about them in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As far as their salaries are concerned, discussions are taking place with the companies concerned on the basis that the Government will contribute in each case approximately two-thirds of the total cost of the individual to the company.

Mr. Heffer

A complete waste of money.

Mr. Ford

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the recruitment of businessmen is in conformity with policies enunciated by Governor Reagan to the Institute of Directors last year, where he received a standing ovation, and will the hon. Gentleman say how many more of Governor Reagan's Goldwater-type policies his Government will be implementing?

Mr. Howell

The hon. Gentleman seems to have forgotten that his own Government recruited businessmen. It is a perfectly sensible line, which most modern Governments are taking, and I am sorry he is against it.

Mr. William Hamilton

Did the hon. Gentleman say that the Government would pay at least two-thirds of the salary these businessmen were receiving in business, and does that mean that there might be some salaries higher than what the Prime Minister is getting—and he is getting far too much?

Mr. Howell

I did not know about the hon. Gentleman's opinion on that point. The details of these salaries have yet to be finally decided, and information about them will be laid before the House when they have been fixed.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Is my hon. Friend aware also of the increase in value for money achieved by Governor Reagan when he brought businessmen into his administration?

Mr. Howell

I am aware of that. From the taxpayer's point of view, I have no doubt that all these businessmen will give excellent value for money.

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