§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the size of the scientific section of his Department at the latest convenient date, measured in terms of number of staff and of annual budgeted expenditure; and what percentage of the total departmental manpower and budget these figures represent.
§ Mr. VarleyA total of 777 staff were employed, on 1st January 1974, in what can broadly be termed the scientific section of my Department. This constituted 55 per cent. of the total strength at that time. The position is very similar today, but later figures are not yet available.
The Department's provisional estimate of its expenditure during 1974–75 is 169,640,000, but of this £150,400,000 is provided for support to the coal industry; £4,245,000 of the balance is devoted to what can broadly be described as scientific work, including research and development contracts, the Safety in Mines Research Establishment, work in connection with safety and health in mines and quarries, and the Nuclear Inspectorate.
In addition my Department is responsible for the funding of the Atomic Energy Authority and also provides other support to nuclear research and development. Estimated net expenditure on the nuclear energy Vote is £62,440,000 in 1974–75.