§ Mr. Biffenasked the Prime Minister how many non-industrial Civil Service vacancies were filled during the most convenient recent 12-month period; and how many of these vacancies were notified to the Ministry of Labour.
§ Mr. MacDermotI have been asked to reply.
In 1965, some 43,800 appointments were made to permanent non-industrial posts in the Civil Service under the regulations of the Civil Service Commissioners. Departments have delegated authority to recruit temporary staff within their total complements and have been asked to notify vacancies for such staff to offices of the Ministry of Labour.
198WNo central record is kept of temporary recruitment but during 1965 about 38,000 persons were placed in non-industrial Civil Service posts through the agency of the Ministry of Labour and at the end of the year there were some 7,850 vacancies on that Department's books.
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Prime Minister what instructions he has given, in the light of the present economic crisis, for the reduction of the establishment of the Civil Service.
§ Mr. A. Royleasked the Prime Minister what steps he is taking to cut the numbers of civil servants employed by Government Departments.
§ Mr. MacDermotI have been asked to reply.
No specific instructions have been given. The numbers employed are subject to constant scrutiny and inspection in the light of the tasks laid upon them.