HC Deb 23 April 1968 vol 763 cc16-7W
Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, by how many he proposes to reduce the number of full-and part-time civil servants employed by his Department, on account of the reallocation of Ministerial responsibilities for the prices and incomes policy.

Mr. Frederick Lee

About 35.

Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, what increase or decrease there has been in the non-industrial staff of his Department since 15th October, 1964; and what decrease he anticipates during the next six months.

Mr. Frederick Lee

The D.E.A. was not set up until 16th October 1964 so the increase since 15th October represents the staff now in post. These number 537, after the recent transfer of responsibility for Prices and Incomes policy to the First Secretary of State. I do not anticipate any decrease during the next six months.