§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many civil servants are employed in her Department; what is the total cost of running the Department for the latest year for which figures are available; and if she will itemise the main constituent costs.
§ Mr. MeacherThe total number of non-industrial and industrial staff employed in the Department of Health and Social Security on 1st April 1975 was 88,629.
The estimated cost of salaries and other administration charges included in the Supply Estimates for 1975–76 is £159,467,000 after allowing for Appropriations-in-Aid. This total is made up as follows:
£ Salaries and wages … 226,298,000 Travelling and subsistence … 6,580,000 Post Office Services … 77,400,000 Other Expenditure … 11,092,000 321,370,000 Less Appropriations in Aid … 161,903,000 159,467,000