HC Deb 02 November 1983 vol 47 cc856-7
2. Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the total increase in local authority employees in Scotland in the years 1980, 1981, 1982 and what are the latest available figures for 1983.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Michael Ancram)

The joint manpower watch figures for June 1983—the latest available—are in the Library. They show that for the years from June 1979 to June 1983 annual changes as follows: an increase of 1.6 per cent. followed by decreases of 0.2 per cent., 1.8 per cent., and 1 per cent.

Mr. McQuarrie

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his remarks. They show that the last Conservative Government at least produced some results, but does my hon. Friend agree that the reductions should be far greater, particularly in education, where in even the smallest of schools the headmasters are provided with private secretaries? Will he take additional action to bring about further reductions?

Mr. Ancram

I agree that the figures, while showing a minor trend in the right direction, leave much to be achieved. It is worth reminding the House that in spite of a reduction of 3,000 in the number of teachers, which has been brought about by the fall in the school population, local authorities employ 5,000 more people than they did in 1977.

Mr. Donald Stewart

Is the Minister aware that although the Government may pat themselves on the back over the reduction in the number of civil servants, this has resulted in a tremendous additional burden on local authorities—particularly in carrying out DHSS work— and that they no longer have the funds to carry even the employees they already have, let alone extra staff?

Mr. Ancram

The right hon. Gentleman should understand that we are looking for manpower reductions in Scotland. As I have said, the figures for Scotland are still considerably greater than they were under the Labour Government in 1977. I hope that Scottish local authorities will look at the reductions that have been made in England, which have been considerably greater over the past four years, and follow that example.