HC Deb 05 June 1990 vol 173 cc403-5W
Mr. Alan Williams

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) at 1989 prices, how much higher or lower manufacturing investment would have been in each year since 1978–79(a) had the level of 1978–79 been maintained and (b) had the average rate of change from 1974 to 1979 been maintained;

(2) at 1989 prices (a) what manufacturing investment would have been had it maintained 1978–79 levels in each subsequent year, (b) what manufacturing investment would have been in each year since 1978–79 had it changed at the same rate as in (i) Japan, (ii) the United States of America, (iii) West Germany, (iv) France and (v) OECD average level; and (c) what manufacturing investment was in each year since 1978–79.

Mr. Major

[holding answer 21 May 1990]: A 1989 constant price series for manufacturing investment is not available. The table provides the available information at 1985 prices.

Mr. Norman Lamont

[holding answer 21 May 1990]: Civil service running costs control was introduced only in 1986–87 and these costs have not been recorded to the level of detail requested. Due to coverage changes, comparable figures prior to 1980–81 are not available, and those for the years prior to 1986–87 have had to be estimated to the nearest £50 million. Table 1 sets out total running costs on current coverage, the number of full-time staff covered and the cost per head for the year indicated.

2Figures for average levels of full-time staff in post across the year. They exclude staff in trading funds for example HMSO, and other areas now exempted from gross running cost control (Cm. 1021 Ch. 21.3.16 refers). Although most of the armed forces are also outside running costs, those personnel engaged in headquarters and support activities are included.

Table 2 shows the average man-year cost for the years from 1986–87 when casual staff and overtime are added, and analyses the cost by major components.

Table 2
1986–87 1987–88 1988–89 1988–89
£ £ £ £
Running costs per man year 15,532 16,851 18,172 19,470
Comprising: Pay costs 9,874 10,751 11,633 12,338
Personnel overheads 1,276 1,456 1,516 1,580
Accommodation costs 1,867 1,938 2,181 2,501
Office services (eg telecommunications) 1,222 1,379 1,416 1,584
Other services (eg contract services) 1,293 1,327 1,426 1,467