§ 16. Mr. Vaughan-Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the staff of photographers and photoprinters in the Organisation and Establishment Department of his Department is being increased from twenty-four to thirty-three.
Mr. AmoryThe number has in fact been reduced by eight. The apparent increase shown in the estimates for 1956–57 is due to the inclusion in the photographic 418 and photoprinting table of a number of posts formerly included under a general heading.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganBut would my right hon. Friend say why he needs this enormous staff?
Mr. AmoryI am satisfied that this staff is an economy to the Department. Its work covers not only the reproduction of photographs, maps and documents for my technical services—including the National Agricultural Advisory Service—but also a great deal of duplication and printing of forms, statements and pamphlets, which saves a good deal of the expenditure which would be incurred if all that work had to be placed outside. It is the kind of thing that I keep under constant review.
§ Mr. HaleWill the new equipment include cameras with such rapid shutters that instantaneous photographs can be taken of the prices of agricultural food going up?