§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Industry what has been the percentage of the Post Office's total costs represented by wages and salaries in each year since 1969; what percentage the total wages and salaries paid in each of these years bear to the total payments in 1969; how these figures compare with the fall in the value of the pound and with the average national earned incomes; and if he will publish similar figures for 1949 and 1959.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieInformation in the precise form of the Question is not readily available. The information available is as follows: 273W
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POST OFFICE Revenue Account 1949* 1950–51* 1959–60 1969–70 1970–71 1971–72 1972–73 1973–74 1974–75 £m. £m. £m. £m. £m. £m. £m. £m. £m. Total pay and pensions — 108.2 263.7 534.6 570.6 679.4 805.1 952.6 1,260.9† deduct deficiency provision — N.A. 13.1 12.2 12.2 12.2 44.3‡ 112.7‡ 107.9‡ net — 108.2 250.6 522.4 558.4 667.2 760.8 839.9 1,153.0 deduct normal provisions — 12.9 20.4 40.7 45.7 52.1 61.7‡ 35.9‡ 67.5‡ Net salaries and wages (excluding pension) — 95.3 230.2 481.7 512.7 615.1 699.1 804.0 1,085.5 Total costs — 198.4 421.6 1,010.2 1,123.2 1,337.4 1,594.9 1,890.6 2,429.4 Percentage of salaries and wages to total costs — 48.0% 54.6% 47.7% 45.6% 46.0% 43.8% 42.5% 44.7% Percentage of salaries and wages in each year to total 1969–70: pay — 19.8% 47.8% 100.0% 106.4% 127.7% 145.1% 166.9% 225.3%§ total costs — — — 47.7% 50.8% 60.9% 69.2% 79.6% 107.5% Average earnings index — N.A. N.A. 100.0 113.0 124.8 141.6 159.1 195.5 Retail price index — 36.2 69.9 100.0 107.3 117.2 125.6 138.7 163.6 Value of Pound 34. — 49.1 68.7 73.1 80.0 85.7 93.5 108.5║ Notes: * 1949–50 information not readily available. † From P.O. Report and Accounts 1974–75; or relevant year's Account. ‡ 1972–73 to 1974–75 are effected by an actuarial investigation and its results. § Increases include (a) increased rates. (b) increased numbers. (c) changes in mix of staff. ║ Index of Prices of consumer goods and services. January 1974 = 100.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will review the Government's financial contribution to the Post Office pension fund having regard to the fall in the value of Consols since the fund was established on the transfer of the Post Office in 1969 on the basis of a theoretical assignment to it by the Government of Consols.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieFor 1975–76 the Government have decided that the Post Office must meet the deficit contributions to its pension fund from its own resources. No decision has yet been taken in respect of future years.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Industry for what period the Post Office was without a finance director; why the previous director ceased to act; why there was a delay in appointing his successor; whether he was fully aware of the situation; and what advice or instruction he gave to the Post Office on the matter.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieThere was no director with a specific financial responsibility for 15 months following the retirement of Mr. Ashton at the end of 1973. During this time my predecessor was actively seeking the appointment of a successor with the appropriate experience and qualifications, and it was no easy task to find a candidate of sufficient calibre. In the course of the search he was throughout in close touch with the Post Office.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Industry on how many occasions, since the establishment of the Post Office under the 1969 Act, he, or his predecessors, has given a general direction to the Post Office under Section 11 of the Act.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieOnce in 1970 under Sections 11(1) and (6) of the Post Office Act.
§ Mr. Bradfordasked the Secretary of State for Industry what has been the reduction in staff of the GPO as a result of the expenditure cut of £50 million; and how many of the people made redundant are in the telecommunications industry.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieThe hon. Member perhaps has in mind the reductions which the Post Office has made in276W its estimate of capital investment needed for telecommunications in 1976–77, in the light of its reappraisal of the likely demand for service. This reduction has, of course, had no effect as yet on the level of Post Office staffing, and such economies as will be required will be met principally from natural wastage.