§ 61. Mr. Masonasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science to what extent the Atomic Energy Authority has been run down in the past 12 months; how many personnel and in what trades and professions have left the Authority; what is the cause of this trend; what steps he will take to arrest this decline in Atomic Energy Authority activity; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethIn the 12 months ended on 1st June, 1963, the total numbers employed by the Atomic Energy Authority fell from about 40,400 to 37,800. The heaviest reduction was in industrial employees; but the number of professional and ancillary staff also fell. These reductions are attributable principally to changes in the demand placed upon the Authority for defence purposes and to the completion of most of the Authority's major capital projects.
The Authority's programmes and staffing must be adjusted to meet varying demands. But the Authority has a full and well-balanced programme of research and development and a continuing demand for its products and services.