§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether, following the example of the United Kingdom Government Departments, manpower targets have been set for Northern Ireland Departments for 1 April 1984; and, if so, whether he will publish those targets.
§ Mr. AlisonManpower targets have been set for Northern Ireland Departments based on comparability with United Kingdom Departments which exercise similar functions. The targets for 1 April 1984 are:
Department of Agriculture 4,620 Department of the Civil Service 760 Department of Commerce 670 Department of Education 560 Department of the Environment 920 Department of Finance 2,650 Department of Health and Social Services 4,960 Department of Manpower Services 1,980 Contingency margin 680 Total 17,800 The overall target of 17,800 represents a reduction of 1,600 posts from the 1 April 1980 figure. There is a contingency margin to cover unforseen demands arising over the years ahead. The group within the Northern 353W Ireland Department of the Environment engaged on services which are comparable with functions located within local government and water authorities in Great Britain (9,000 at 1 April 1980) is not included in these figures.