HC Deb 29 January 1971 vol 810 cc204-5W
Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he accounts for the increase of 160 in the staff of his Department in the period 1st July to 1st November, 1970; and what increase or decrease he now anticipates in the period up to 30th June, 1971.

Mr. Prior

There is always an increase in staff numbers during this period of the year as the main season for recruitment follows the end of the academic year. As stated in the White Paper (Cmnd. 4564) I am proposing to make significant staff reductions over the next three years, and there will be some decrease by 30th June, 1971. It is not however possible to estimate at this stage what that decrease will be.