§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what specific factors he attributes the increase of 1,000 in the staff of the Building Research Establishment between 1st July 1974 and 1st July 1975, in view of the fact that it had remained constant between 1st July 1971 and 1st July 1974.
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§ Mr. FreesonThe difference was 101, not 1,000. Total Building Research Establishment strength rose from 1,203 on 1st July 1974 to 1,304 a year later. Industrial staff increased in that period by 44 from 275 to 319, and non-industrial staff by 57 from 928 to 985. Industrial staff have fluctuated between 275 and 319 since 1971, according to varying practical needs arising from the research programme. Non-industrial strength in 1973 and 1974 was considerably lower than planned because of recruitment difficulties. As these diminished, staff strength was increased to the extent needed to meet a growing load of necessary work.