§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under his control in the period 16th October, 1964, to 15th October, 1965; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period up to 15th October, 1966.
§ Mr. George ThomsonThe staff of the Foreign Office on the 16th October, 1964, was 1,815. On the 15th October, 1965, it was 750. The decrease of 1,065 is explained by the amalgamation on the 1st January, 1965, of the Administrative Departments of the Foreign Office and Commonwealth Relations Office to form the Diplomatic Service Administration Office and the subsequent formation of certain joint Departments and common services.
In the period up to the 15th October, 1966, no significant change is foreseen in the staff of the Foreign Office.