asked the Minister of Health by what measures it is expected to reduce the numbers employed in local government by 30,000 during 1948, as forecast in the Economic Survey for 1948.

I am in consultation with the Associations of Local Authorities in this matter.

In view of the unexpectedly large, though, perhaps, inevitable increase of 50,000 in local government staffs in 1947, is the Minister considering some directive to local authorities on this matter?

I have no power directly to interfere, concerning the number of staffs employed by local authorities, and I should prefer to try to effect reductions by co-operation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider reducing the number of requests made by his Department to the local authorities for returns, and thus enable them to reduce their staffs?

It would mean that I should not be able to answer so many questions by hon. Members opposite.