HC Deb 24 November 1981 vol 13 cc372-4W
Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in accordance with procedures laid out in the Civil Service Department's guide on non-departmental public bodies, he has recently carried out checks on staff numbers and gradings in the Scottish Development Agency; and whether these have enabled him to identify areas for savings in expenditure and manpower in either the agency or his Department.

Mr. Younger

I am in regular touch with the agency on these matters, and both my Department and the agency are keeping their staff requirements under review in the light of the tasks they are being called upon to perform in the current recession.

Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in accordance with procedures laid out in the Civil Service Department's guide on non-departmental public bodies, he has recently carried out checks on staff numbers and gradings in the Scottish Sports Council; and whether these have enabled him to identify areas for savings in expenditure and manpower in either the council or his Department.

Mr. Younger

The numbers and gradings of Scottish Sports Council staff are controlled by the fixing of a cash limit for staffing costs, by the need for my approval for the creation of senior posts, and by reviews and inspections as necessary. This is in accordance with the procedures laid down in the guide to which my hon. Friend refers. A staff inspection was carried out earlier this year and its recommendations are at present under discussion with the council.

Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in accordance with procedures laid out in the Civil Service Department's guide on non-departmental public bodies, he has recently carried out checks on staff numbers and gradings in the Scottish Tourist Board; and whether these have enabled him to identify areas for savings in expenditure and manpower in either the board or his Department.

Mr. Younger

The numbers and gradings of the Scottish Tourist Board staff are controlled by the fixing of a cash limit for staffing costs, by the need for my approval for the creation of senior posts, and by reviews and inspections as necessary. This is in accordance with the procedures laid down in the guide to which my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in accordance with procedures laid out in the Civil Service Department's guide on non-departmental public bodies, he has recently carried out checks on staff numbers and gradings in the Countryside Commission for Scotland; and whether these have enabled him to identify areas for savings in expenditure and manpower in either the commission or his Department.

Mr. Younger

The numbers and gradings of the staff of the Countryside Commission for Scotland are controlled by the fixing of a cash limit for staffing costs, by the need for my approval for the creation of senior posts, and by reviews and inspections as necessary. This is in accordance with the procedures laid down in the guide to which my hon. Friend refers.