§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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 salary and expenses for such appointments; and if he will take steps to reduce the number of such posts.
§ Mr. MasonAt present I make seven full-time and 220 part-time public appointments which are not subject to regulation by the Civil Service Commission. In the financial year 1976–77 a total of £162,000 for salaries, fees and expenses was paid in respect of these appointments. The numbers of all such appointments are, as a matter of policy, kept under review to ensure that there are no more than are needed for the work to be done. In many cases the numbers of appointments are enumerated in the controlling statute or constitution.