§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what increase or decrease in staff there has been in the Department under his control since 16th October, 1964; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1965.
§ Mr. BottomleyThe staff of the Commonwealth Relations Office on 16th October, 1964, was 867 and is now 474. The decrease is explained by the amalgamation of the Administrative Departments of the Commonwealth Relations Office and the Foreign Office on 1st January, 1965, to form a combined Administration and common services with a staff of 1,338.
In the period up to 15th October, 1965, an increase of 10 is anticipated in the staff of the Commonwealth Relations Office. No increase is expected in the combined Administration or common services.