§ Mr. Ralph HowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the number of administrative and clerical staff employed in National Health Service hospitals in England and Wales for each of the years 1974 to 1986 inclusive.
§ Mr. NewtonThe numbers of whole-time equivalent administrative and clerical staff (including general managers) employed in the National Health Service in England on 30 September in each year was as follows:
Numbers 1974 82,800 1975 91,900 1976 98,500 1977 99,000 1978 100,300 1979 103,000 1980 105,400 1981 108,800 1982 108,800 1983 110,000 1984 110,300 1985 111,000 1986 111,400 These figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Separate figures for administrative and clerical staff employed in hospitals are not available.
Information on staff employed by the National Health Service in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.