HC Deb 18 April 1972 vol 835 cc69-70W
Mr. Knox

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what were the numbers and what was the cost of the Civil Service, excluding the Post Office, in October, 1964, March, 1966, June, 1970. and at the latest available date.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

On the basis set out in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Fowler) on 9th February, 1972, the number of staff in post on 1st January, 1972, was 701,896. The numbers on 1st October, 1964, and 1st June, 1970, were 652,400 and 700,750, respectively; information for 1st March, 1966, is not available, but on 1st April, 1966, the number was 659,500. The cost of salaries and wages based on the revised supply Estimates for each of the financial years in question is as follows:

£ million
1964–65 604
1966–67 675
1970–71 937
1971–72 1,061