§ Mr. Wallaceasked the Prime Minister whether Civil Service non-industrial staff numbers at 1st April, 1970, were within the ceiling announced on 26th February, 1969; and what limits have been set for the period up to 1st April, 1971.
§ The Prime MinisterA precise figure for the strength of the non-industrial Civil Service on 1st April, 1970, is not yet available but it is expected to be well within the ceiling of 496,500 which I announced on 26th February, 1969.I expect that there will be an increase of not more than 7,500 on this ceiling by220W 1st April, 1971; this will be a slightly smaller increase than that forecast for 1969–70. In addition, there will be a transfer to the Civil Service from outside, involving about 1,300 staff in Local Taxation Offices whose functions are to be transferred to the Minister of Transport in consequence of the Vehicle and Driving Licences Act (1969).—[Vol. 778, c. 1719–22.]