§ Mr. Hugh D. Brownasked the Postmaster-General what was the total number of minor engineering grades at the end of 1968–69; what he estimates the numbers will be at the end of 1969–70 and 1970–71; and what he estimates the wages bill for these grades will be for 1969–70 and 1970–71.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe total number of minor engineering grades employed at the end of 1968–69 was 97,971, and the estimated number at the end of 1969–70 is 101,000.
The estimated wages bill for these grades for 1969–70 is about £.131½ million.
A review of the programme for 1970–71 is at present in progress.