HC Deb 11 May 1981 vol 4 cc470-1
6. Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the range of manpower reductions achieved by Welsh local authorities since May 1979; and whether he is satisfied with progress to date.

The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Wyn Roberts)

From the end of May 1979 until the end of December 1980, the latest date for which figures are available, local authority manpower in terms of full-time employees and full-time equivalents in Wales has been reduced by about 2 per cent. Although the downward trend has been encouraging, it must be maintained if Welsh authorities are to meet the public expenditure targets we have requested.

Mr. Hooson

Will my hon. Friend identify the local authority with the best performance and that with the worst performance? Will he confirm that it is possible to achieve substantial economies without undermining local government services?

Mr. Roberts

I do not wish to comment on the performance of individual authorities because their circumstances vary widely. However, while some authorities have been making efforts to reduce their staff, others have not. It is nonsense to suggest that local government services are being destroyed. We are simply asking local authorities to bring down their current expenditure to the level that it was five years ago in real terms, at the time of the last Labour Government.

Mr. Wigley

How many of the full-time equivalents that have been reduced and jobs lost relate to home helps? What additional cost and burden has that placed on the National Health Service?

Mr. Roberts

I do not have a precise analysis of the reduction in manpower. I do not think that the hon. Gentleman expects me to carry them in my head, or even on a piece of paper. Much greater efficiency could be obtained in local government services without their being disrupted.

Sir Anthony Meyer

Does my hon. Friend agree that the need to reduce staff is not a valid reason for refusing to implement the Government's policy on the sale of council houses?

Mr. Roberts

I certainly agree with my hon. Friend. Local authorities have a duty under the Housing Act 1980 to sell to those who have the right to buy. Many local authorities have previous experience of selling council houses. They can also make use of private sector services and change the duties of those already engaged within their housing departments.

Dr. Roger Thomas

Does not the Minister agree that hardly a social services department in Wales has not had to cut back on staff who care for the elderly and those least able to defend themselves? Does he not agree that the loss of such people means a loss of care and a deterioration of services?

Mr. Roberts

I do not agree that there has been a deterioration of services, especially in the social services sector. I have visited every social services department in Wales. I have met directors and chairmen of social services committees. There is scope for greater efficiency in that area, as there is elsewhere.