HC Deb 22 November 1972 vol 846 cc428-9W
Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what is his estimate of the number of additional civil servants required to deal with matters arising from the Counter-Inflation (Temporary Provisions) Bill.

Mr, Kenneth Baker

As stated in the Memorandum to the Bill, so far as can be anticipated the effect of the Bill on public manpower is likely to be minimal.

Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many civil servants are working, wholly or partially, on matters arising from the Counter-Inflation (Temporary Provisions) Bill.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

It would not be possible without disproportionate effort and expense to provide this information. Staff in several Departments are employed on this work; and in the Departments most heavily involved, such as the Department of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, some have been temporarily redeployed from other work.