§ 14. Mr. SpellarTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the staffing levels in the Export Credits Guarantee Department.
§ Mr. HeseltineECGD's staffing levels are periodically reviewed and determined as part of the annual public expenditure survey and the Minis scrutiny.
§ Mr. SpellarI think that it is unfortunate that the right hon. Gentleman could not be more forthcoming on the figures. One suspects that that gives substance to the concerns expressed by the staff of ECGD on this matter. Although an increase in the amounts available is welcome, would not it be a good idea to give an assurance to the staff that their jobs will be secure and that we will therefore have the necessary back-up to progress what will, one hopes, be an increase in exports?
§ Mr. HeseltineI cannot answer that question in the way in which the hon. Gentleman wants. I have looked in great detail at the number of people employed in providing this service. I was extremely concerned at the overheads involved in providing support to the front-line services and, therefore, I have asked for some urgent reviews to take place, which it is my proper responsibility to do.