§ Mr. Biffenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the estimated current annual expenditure of the National Economic Development Council office; and if he is satisfied that this level of expenditure adequately fulfils the needs of the Council;
(2) what representations he has received suggesting that the expenditure and staff of the National Economic Development Council should be increased; what action he has taken; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GreenProvision was made in the Estimates for an expenditure of £200,000 in 1963–64. This is about the current rate although the expenditure for the year as a whole is likely to be less. I have recently been considering with the Director-General of the National Economic Development Office, what amount should be included in the Estimates for 1964–65. The figures will be published in March.
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff were employed full and part time by the National Economic Development Council on 1st February in 1962, 1963 and 1964, respectively.
§ Mr. GreenThe information is as follows:
Full-time staff Part-time staff 1st February, 1962 … 3 0 1st February, 1963 … 73 8 1st February, 1964 … 99 10