§ Q14. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that he will not, during the period of the current economic crisis, create any new Ministerial posts, or take any action in Ministerial appointments which will increase the annual total costs in the existing salary scales of those holding Ministerial appointments.
§ The Prime MinisterNo.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister how many Ministerial posts were held in September, 1964, and May, 1966; and what were the total annual costs in salaries and expenses, respectively; and whether, in view of the Government's call to industry and the general public to assist the balance of payments by reducing expenditure, he will take steps to reduce expenditure in general and the number of Ministerial appointments in particular.
§ The Prime MinisterNinety posts at an aggregate annual salary cost of £335,000 in September, 1964 (subsequently increased to some £550,000 as a result of accepting 50 per cent. of the increases recommended by the Lawrence Committee); and 110 posts at a cost of £630,000 in May, 1966. The number of Ministerial appointments will be kept as low as is consistent with the fulfilment of a radical programme of reform and development of the economy.