HC Deb 19 June 1967 vol 748 cc1093-4
4. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what increase there has been in his Department's non-industrial establishment in the last two years.

Mr. Prentice

Between April, 1965, and April, 1967, the number of staff has increased by 669, or 2.8 per cent.

Mr. Costain

Does the Minister expect this number to continue to rise or will he stabilise the number in his Department?

Mr. Prentice

For certain categories we hope that it will rise. We have considerable shortages of technical and professional staff. Of the figures I gave, 474 were recruited to fill vacancies. We should like to attract more people in these categories to the staff of the Ministry.