HC Deb 15 February 1966 vol 724 cc1097-8
21. Mr. Pym

asked the Minister of Technology what progress has been made with staffing the National Computing Centre; and how many people are now employed.

Mr. Cousins

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen) on 11th February.

Mr. Pym

Will the Minister say whether he is experiencing any difficulty in recruiting people whom he described on that occasion as "top level"? In view of the fact that his initial statement about setting up this new organisation was made nearly a year ago, is he satisfied with the progress which has been made?

Mr. Cousins

It was not, of course, nearly a year ago. The answer to the first part of that supplementary question is that there is considerable difficulty in finding staff because staff is in short supply. We are not having particular difficulty at this place. The Director-designate is in possession and has been spending part of his time keeping up with the planning of the centre. There are no problems which are not natural when one sets up a new organisation.