§ 25. Mr. Fairbairnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to cut waste in Government expenditure in Scotland and to penalise extravagance and reward economy in the public service in Scotland.
§ Mr. William RossIn that part of the public service for which I am responsible I seek to ensure that the resources employed are no more than the efficient conduct of business requires.
§ Mr. Fairbairnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the total cost to the Exchequer and the total increase in the local government staff levels since 1974 as a result of the require- 734W ments of new legislation and departmental circulars initiated by his office.
§ Mr. William RossIt is not possible to quantify the increase of expenditure in a particular period which has resulted from new legislation or Departmental circulars. The emphasis of Scottish Office circulars during the past year has been on the need to reduce the growth of expenditure, in real terms, and to keep increases in staff complements to a minimum.