HC Deb 17 June 1980 vol 986 cc497-8W
Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will appoint Mr. Leslie Chapman as an unpaid special adviser in his Department to advise on central and local government expenditure and manpower levels.

Mr. Heseltine

No. I have already taken steps to bring expenditure and manpower in my Department under control. The total staff of the Department of the Environment has fallen by 8 per cent. over the past year and I am still conducting a detailed and comprehensive review of its activities which will yield further economies. The Government have made abundantly clear to local authorities the need for them to make the manpower reductions necessary to bring their volume of current expenditure in line with the Government's expenditure plans. It is for individual local authorities to decide the detailed action necessary in their individual circumstances.