§ Mr. Stodartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why 313 more non-industrial staff are required within the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland than were employed in 1964; how they are distributed within the Department; and what duties they are performing.
§ Mr. RossAbout one half of the net increase during this period is accounted for by the development of the Scottish Office Computer Service which carries out a wide variety of tasks for the four Scottish Departments, the Land Commission and some other organisations. About one quarter of the remainder is attributable to work arising out of the Agriculture and Horticulture Act, 1964 and about one quarter to work under the Agriculture Act, 1967 and the repayment of Selective Employment Tax to farmers. The balance comprises professional, technical and scientific staff employed in connection with the new functions and in marine research.