§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the number of administrators employed by his Department has risen from 78,826 in 1974 to 94,287 in 1978.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe rise has resulted primarily from the increase in the number of claimants to social security benefits, but many extra staff have also been required for the major improvements, such as the new child benefit scheme and various benefits for the disabled, introduced during the last few years and for the preparatory work on new pensions. In addition, helped by improved recruitment, it has been possible to fill about 3,000 posts, previously occupied by casual clerical staff, with permanent staff.