asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the number of civil servants has increased from 26,775 in 1939 to 31,179 in 1947, representing an increase of 4,404, and from 31,179 in 1947 to 35,287 in January, 1951, a further increase of 4,108, entailing an increased burden of over £2,500,000 on the taxpayers; and, if so, and in view of the fact that rationing has ceased, if he will consider a gradual reduction in this number until the 1939 figure is reached.

I am aware that the number of civil servants increased from 26,775 in 1939 to 31,179 in 1947, representing an increase of 4,404, and from 31,179 in 1947 to 35,287 in January, 1951, a further increase of 4,108. I am also aware that the annual cost of the Civil Service increased by £2,905,000 from 1947 to 1951. I would point out to the Deputy, however, that something short of half this amount is attributable to the pay increases of 1948. The abolition of rationing will enable me to effect a reduction in numbers of staff, but unfortunately that reduction will not be anything as great as the Deputy apparently anticipates, as the average number of staff engaged on rationing in the year 1951-52 was 174. I regret that I cannot see any prospect of reducing the strength of the Civil Service to the 1939 figure, as no major decrease in numbers would be feasible without a corresponding reduction in the various services provided by the Departments of State. Expansion of services necessarily involves expansion of staffs. For instance, the numbers in the Department of Posts and Telegraphs rose by 1,943 from the year 1939 by reason of telephone development and extension, and other causes. The introduction of additional schemes for the development of agriculture generally raised numbers in the Department of Agriculture by 998.

Is the Minister aware that the number of inspectors in the Department of Agriculture should be very much reduced if they do away with compulsory tillage? Surely, also, the number engaged in the Department of Industry and Commerce could be largely reduced owing to the abolition of rationing. Does the Minister think it is just that the people should have to pay £3,000,000 a year for 11,000 drones?

Have we not enough unemployment?

We have enough dodgers.

Do the figures include those who were absorbed from the National Health Insurance Society?

I assume that they do.

Will the Minister call on his inspectors to examine the pints which are being given out by the publicans in East Cork which only come to two inches from the top of the glass?

I think the Deputy might make that inspection for himself.

He is aware of it.

Provided I get your authority for it.