HC Deb 08 July 1982 vol 27 cc451-2
21. Mr. Sheerman

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many scientific civil servants were employed in the Ministry of Agriculture in May 1982, May 1981 and May 1979, respectively.

Mr. Peter Walker

The information requested is not available for the dates stated. However, the number of scientific civil servants in the Ministry on 1 April of the three years in question was 1,895, 1,961 and 1,804 respectively.

Mr. Sheerman

Is the Minister aware that this vital Department is at the centre of research and development for the whole of our agriculture industry? Is the Minister further aware that many people working in that service are worried about its future, are concerned about their tenure, and are worried that the services that they are able to provide to agriculture will be far less in the future?

Mr. Walker

Having recently visited all of the regions and met the staff concerned, I am glad to say that I found morale high. I know that the hon. Gentleman will rejoice at the fact that the figures that I have given him show that there has been an increase in staff since the Government came to power.