§ Mr. Scottasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the total annual cost of the employment exchanges in England and Wales for 1969–70; what is their total estimated cost for 1970–71; how many staff are now employed in them; and what sum their total annual salary represents.
§ Mr. Dell:The total annual cost of the employment exchanges in England 454W and Wales for 1969–70 was £28.4 million. In 1970–71 their total cost is estimated to be £32.3 million. On 1st April 1970, 17,736 staff were employed in them at a total annual salary cost, including S.E.T. and National Insurance contributions, of £23 million. The cost of agency work done in the exchanges (e.g., the administration of unemployment benefit) is included in these figures.