§ Mr. Eggarasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian reductions in posts were made between (a) 1 April 1974 and 1 April 1979, (b) 1 April 1979 and 1 October 1982 and, of the total reductions made since 1 April 1974, what were (i) the financial savings realised and (ii) the comparable percentage savings in headquarters and open structure posts.
§ Mr. NottTotal civilian reductions made are as follows:208W
United Kingdom based Civilians Locally engaged civilians Total 1 April 1974—1 April 1979 19,700 12,100 *31,800 1 April 1979—1 October 1982 35,600 4,100 †39,700 * Over a 5-year period.
† Over a 3½-year period.
The reduction since 1974 of 55,300 in the number of United Kingdom-based staff amounts to a cut of 21 per cent. This includes savings of 3,500 in headquarters staff—a reduction of 23 per cent.—and of 26 in the open structure—a reduction of 21 per cent. The total financial savings of pay costs since 1974 were £1,800 million at 1982–83 estimate prices, of which £1,200 million were for United Kingdom-based staff.