§ Lord Dean of Beswickasked Her Majesty's Government:
Pursuant to the answer by Lord Fraser of Carmyllie of 14th May 1996 (WA 47), what is the reason for the increase in the estimated number of staff of Oftel from 161 (1995–96) to 162 for the subsequent years for which staff numbers are projected.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Fraser of Carmyllie)The projections for future years were based on Oftel's agreed expenditure plans at the time of the Public Expenditure Settlement last autumn. The figure of 161 shown for Oftel staff in 1995–96 was, however, an estimate of the average over the whole year of staff actually working for Oftel. The numbers of people employed within a given year's budget can fluctuate as staff join and leave the office, and because of variations in the mix of grades employed.