HC Deb 03 June 1980 vol 985 c679W
Mr. Wrigglesworth

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if any of the 690 staff savings in his Department, and 240 in the Forestry Commission, announced on 6 December 1979 have yet been made; and, if not, when he expects them to be achieved and in what divisions, at what grades and in which geographical regions.

Mr. Younger

Of the savings announced on 6 December 1979, about 200 posts have been saved in the Scottish Office and about 150 in the Forestry Commission. The balance of the posts will be achieved in the next two years but at present it is not possible to specify the other details.

Mr. Wrigglesworth

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in which divisions, at what grades and in what geographical area the 54 posts by which the staff in post in his Department increased between 1 April 1979 and 1 April 1980 were employed.

Mr. Younger

There was no increase in the staff in the Scottish Office between 1 April 1979 and 1 April 1980. In the period to 31 March 1980, the staff, excluding those in the prison service and the State hospital, decreased by about 400.