§ 50. Mr. Powleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to reduce the central administrative and executive staff of his Department.
§ Mr. FowlerI expect that, by 1 April 1984, the number of staff employed in my Department's headquarters will have reduced by 19 per cent. since 1979. Over the same period, numbers are expected to reduce by 14 per cent. at Newcastle central office, while at North Fylde central office numbers will have held steady in spite of substantial increases in the number of claimants to the benefits administered there. The requirements for staff in these central units will continue to be the subject of careful consideration in the future in the context of further planned reductions in the Department's staff over the next four years.