HC Deb 24 May 1977 vol 932 cc426-7W
Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many full- and part-time appointments, respectively, are made by him which are not subject to regulation by the Civil Service Commission; what is the total sum paid annually as to salary and expenses for such appointments; and if he will take steps to reduce the number of such posts.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Some 2,800, of which all but four are part-time. 127 of the appointments are paid and the cost of these to public funds in 1976–77 was about £310,000. Travelling and subsistence expenses are paid where appropriate, but the total sum is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. I keep the number of appointments under review to ensure that there are no more than are needed for the work to be done.