HC Deb 19 July 2004 vol 424 cc36-7W
Mr. Lilley

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the(a) gross and (b) net reduction in the number of civil service posts and the number of posts which will be outsourced by 2008 in (i) the UK administration and (ii) the devolved Administrations. [184874]

Mr. Boateng

[holding answer 19 July 2004]: As announced in the Spending Review there will be a gross reduction of 84,150 posts by 2008, and after redeployment to the frontline there will be a net reduction of 70,600 posts.

Any future outsourcing changes will be made by Departments in line with their business need. The devolved Administrations will announce their spending plans for devolved areas in the autumn in the normal way.

Mr. Tony Clarke

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of reductions in staff numbers due to efficiency savings within the civil service for civil servants working in Northampton. [184841]

Mr. Boateng

There will be an overall gross reduction in posts of 84,150 by 2008 and departments will pursue these reductions in line with business needs.

It is for individual Departments to finalise specific plans.