§ 70. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what increase in the staff of Government Departments and in local government service was planned for 1968–69 before the decision to arrest the growth in the number of people employed in public service with the estimated savings of £15 million at both central and local Government level was announced on 16th January, 1968.
§ Mr. DiamondThe increase during 1968–69 sought by Government Departments was 11,360. Local Government staff numbers are not subject to central Government control but my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government is determined to encourage an economical use of staff by local authorities.