§ Mrs. Bainasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what was the total cost of local government wages and salaries within west central Scotland prior to local government reorganisation; and what is the current total cost;
(2) how many employees of local government there are in west central Scotland at the latest available date; how many there were prior to local government reorganisation; and what is the anticipated number by January 1976.
§ Mr. William RossThis information is not available at present. As explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, North (Mr. Fletcher) on 16th July—[Vol. 895, c.514.]—information about staff numbers and costs before and after reorganisation is being collected by the Scottish Councils of the National Joint Councils for Local Authorities Services, for the whole of Scotland. Because of changes in boundaries following reorganisation, comparison will be difficult, but the figures collected will be examined, to see whether any breakdown can usefully be attempted.