Earl of Dalkeith:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what increase there has been in the number of non-industrial civil servants for whom the Scottish Office has direct responsibility since 1st January, 1965.

598, Sir.

Earl of Dalkeith:

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider setting up a special working party to carry out a time and motion study in respect of the Civil Service Departments within his responsibility in order to see if he can set an example of better manpower usage?

This is not necessary because we have ample ways and means of keeping a check. When I hear murmurs from the opposite side of the House, I feel I should point out that the increase in staff in the agricultural services, for instance, arose out of an Act of Parliament which they passed in 1964 and, in the education service, out of an Act of Parliament which they sponsored relating to teachers and dependants. Every time these Measures are passed, whether by hon. Members opposite or by us on these benches, it means possible increases in staff, and we cannot run away from the fact.