§ Q11. Mr. Crouchasked the Prime Minister whether, in the interests of economy, he will give instructions that reductions should be made on the number of staff accompanying Ministers on overseas visits.
§ The Prime MinisterI have given instructions to this effect on a number of occasions over the past 18 months or so. Most recently, on 30th November, the Treasury reminded Departments that devaluation made the need for economy in the size of all delegations going overseas even more important in view of the higher costs now involved in visits to many countries. In each case where a Minister seeks my approval for an overseas visit, the number of staff involved has to be specifically justified to and approved by me.