§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much and what proportion of the departmental expenditure limit for 2002–03 will be accounted for by staff costs; what the figures were for 2001–02; and if she will make a statement. [61025]
§ Mr. MorleyReliable figures for 2002–03 are not yet available as staff costs and total expenditure are dependent on the outcome of pay negotiations, which are currently under way.
For 2001–02 the pay bill cost is estimated as £495 million which represents 18 per cent. of the departmental expenditure limit.