HC Deb 09 February 1984 vol 53 cc741-2W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update the list of prospective tax changes deposited in the Library pursuant to the reply of 21 November, Official Report, c. 51.

Mr. Moore

[pursuant to his reply, 7 February 1984, c. 564]: I am making arrangements to do so.

Year Staff in Post at 1 April Decrease over previous year
1981 689,602 15,301
1982 666,362 23,240
1983 648,912 17,450

Comparable figures setting out the Government's targets for 1 April 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987 were given to the House by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chief Secretary in answer to a written question from my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Hannam) on 17 November 1983 — [Vol. 51, c. 554–558]. The Government intend to maintain a continuing downwards pressure on the size of the Civil Service. The post-1984 targets will be reviewed each year in the public expenditure survey. The presumption is that the figures will be adhered to, or reduced further if changing circumstances make this possible.