§ Mr. Onslowasked the Minister for the Civil Service how he accounts for the increase of 165 in the staff of his Department in the period 1st July to 1st November 1970; and what increase or decrease he now anticipates in the period up to 30th June, 1971.
§ Mr. David HowellThe four months ending 1st November, 1970 were a peak recruitment period in the second year of the Civil Service Department's existence when staff were still being assembled to meet the needs of its developing rôle.
Final decisions for the period up to 30th June, 1971 have not yet been taken. It is most unlikely, as a result of the policies we are now following, that there will be any increase above the total numbers in the Department on 1st November, 1970.