Computer Staff Mr. Skeffington asked the Minister for the Civil Service what was the cost of hiring computer staff from private firms in 1969–70 compared with the estimated cost of undertaking the tasks with civil servants; and whata is the estimate for 1970–71. Mr. David Howell In the year to 31st March, 1970, the Government spent more than £570,000 on buying in systems and programming support, including £190,000 for the hire of staff. Expenditure in the year to 31st March, 1971, is estimated at about £1·1 million of which some £500,000 will be for staff hire. External support of this kind has been obtained when sufficient suitable staff have not been available in departments, and no meaningful comparison can be made with Civil Service staff costs.