§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the salary bill of the Wessex Water Board in its first year following reorganisation; what was then the number of staff employed; and how these figures compare with those for the current year.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe Wessex Water Authority's first year of operation was 1974–75, but, as I explained in my reply to the hon. Member on 11th May, the effects of reorganisation were still being absorbed in that year.—[Vol. 949, c. 614–5.] The total cost of salaries and wages, excluding employers contributions for National insurance and superannuation for the following year 1975–76 was £7,365,000 and the estimated cost for 1978–79 is £9,148,000.
Total staff was 2,210 at 31st March 1976 and 2,291 at 31st March 1978.