§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will explain why, in table 2.4 of the Government's expenditure plans 1978–1989–90, there are no projections to 1990 for the National Health Service, the Northern Ireland Government services, local authorities or the nationalised industries and local authorities (trading).
§ Mr. MacGregorMy hon. Friend's question appears to be directed at the public sector manpower table published in table 2.14 of Cmnd. 56. A note to table 2.14 states
Manpower projections for future years are not included for local authorities, the National Health Service, public corporations and other central government. The Government does not directly control manpower numbers in these areas. Its influence is exercised essentially through expenditure and financial controls".However, the figures provided for the Northern Ireland Government service include the Northern Ireland Departments and the Northern Ireland Office, whose manpower is under the control of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland—see table 3.18.37 of Cmnd. 56.