§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will list the total number of staff employed by the Natural Environment Research Council annually since 1979; and if he will give the projection for the next two years.
§ Mr. WaldenThe total numbers of staff employed by the Natural Environment Research Council since 1979 (excluding those directly employed by grant-aided associations) were:
31 December Number 1979 2,908 1980 3,034 1981 2,979 1982 2,915 1983 2,828 1984 2,835 1985 2,571 1986 2,481 The total numbers now forecast on the basis of the council's scientific strategy are expected to decline by about 100 a year over the next few years.