HC Deb 29 January 1986 vol 90 cc532-3W
Sir Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many examiners are in post at the national weights and measures laboratory; what are their grades; what is the average annual salary in each grade; and if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the total salary bill of the laboratory in each year since 1979, together with his best estimate for the years 1985 to 1986–87.

Mr. Howard

[pursuant to his reply, 27 January 1986, c. 383]: There are 10 examiners currently in post at the national weights and measures laboratory of which six are in the senior professional and technology officer grade and four are in the higher professional and technology officer grade. The average annual salary for these grades is £15,610 and £13,570 respectively.

Because of organisational changes, it is not possible to give strictly comparable figures for the laboratory's salary bill over the requested period. Approximate figures are as follows:

£ thousands
1979–80 310
1980–81 410
1981–82 470
1982–83 550
1983–84 640
1984–85 620
1985–86 *620
1986–87 660
*Forecast.
Responsibility for work under Parts IV to VI of the Weights and Measures Act 1985 transferred from NWML during 1984–85.
Estimate subject to uncertainty in staffing levels.