§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what legislative or policy factors he attributes the increase in non-industrial staff in his Department from 14,709 on 1st July 1975 to 14,881 on 1st October.
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§ Mr. PeartThe figures quoted by the hon. Member include the staff of the Intervention Board, which is not part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The number of its staff has increased by 12 between 1st July and 1st October, reflecting increased work arising out of the operation of the Common Agricultural Policy. The net increase of 160 staff in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food during the period is largely atributable to improved recruitment that has made it possible to fill some of the existing vacancies.