§ 32. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many temporary staff are employed in his Department on temporary staff rates; how many of these are secured from employment agencies; and what is the increased cost to his Department over and above the cost at normal establishment rate.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsThe only temporary staff employed at special rates are those secured from agencies. They total 18. The extra cost is about £1,400 a year.
§ Mr. LewisThe hon. Lady may like to know that in the league table of Ministers that is a very good result. However, would she admit that with a reorganisation of staff and work in the Department she could do away with even those 18? Is she aware that the present state of affairs creates a situation in which higher rates are being paid in the Department than the normal rates paid in the Civil Service, and that this causes difficulties?
§ Mrs. WilliamsI congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his assiduity, He may be aware that in the prison service there are sudden peaks; for example, when a larger number of people are on remand. This may require temporary nurses, and sometimes they are got more cheaply from agencies than by employing them on a permanent basis.