§ Mr. Jim Spicerasked the Secretary of State for Trade, given the prospect of large purchases by Middle East countries of desalination plant, if the Government
640Wavailable. The figures include all members of the Information Officer Group and are not restricted to staff serving in information branches. Estimates for the current year suggest that the total number of staff in this group will increase by some 4 per cent. Information on costs and on staff of information branches not in the Information Officer Group is not available centrally.
will take steps designed to ensure that the United Kingdom maintains its rôle in this field; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe Government fully appreciate the importance of the major export opportunities for desalination plant in the Middle East and are continuing 641W to support, through ECGD and the other export services of my Department, the efforts of British industry to win this business.