§ Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many civil servants in his Department are paid more than the various Ministers within it.
§ Mr. BennSo far as the Secretary of State is concerned, the hon. Member's attention is drawn to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Meriden (Mr. Tomlinson) on 1st August 1975.
As regards the Minister of State, there are 28 civil servants known to receive greater salaries. However, his salary also falls within the limits of scales applicable to 41 other officials a proportion of whom are being paid more than the Minister; exactly how many cannot be ascertained without incurring disproportionate costs. The salaries of the two Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State are known to be exceeded by those of 31 civil servants. Their salaries also fall within the limits of scales applicable to 59 other officials a proportion of whom are being paid more than the Ministers.