§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total size of his Department's staff in Wales, including Monmouth-shire; how many of these staff come under the Welsh Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture; and how many come directly under Whitehall.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsThe total staff of the Ministry in Wales and Monmouth-shire on the 1st February last was 1,364. The Welsh Secretary takes complete responsibility for the work performed by 937. The remaining 427 are certain professional, scientific and technical staff for whom the Welsh Secretary performs a co-ordinating function but who report on technical matters to the Technical Directors of Services at Ministry Headquarters. The Welsh senior officers of these services are stationed alongside the Welsh Secretary at Aberystwyth.
§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the status and responsibilities of the Welsh Secretary in his Department; whether there has been any change in his status and responsibilities in the last five years; and whether he has direct access to the Permanent Under-Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsThe Welsh Secretary is responsible for advising on the Welsh aspects of policy and for keeping my right hon. Friend abreast of Welsh opinion on agricultural matters. And he is in close contact with the Ministers responsible for Welsh affairs. He also has the normal functions of a Regional Controller and, in addition, certain Headquarters responsibility on matters of land improvement and land use and for a wide range of grant and subsidy schemes.
There has been no basic change in his status or responsibilities during the last five years. He normally reports to the Permanent Secretary through a Deputy Secretary but has direct access when appropriate.