§ Mr. Hastingsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many planning officers are at present employed on planning duties in his Department and in all local authorities throughout the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Fox108 planning officers are employed on planning duties in this Department. Figures from the March 1980 return of the joint manpower watch Show that local authorities in England and Wales employ approximately 22,350 staff in town and country planning services. This includes planning officers, building control staff and administrative support. Figures relating to Scotland and Northern Ireland are of course the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland respectively.