HC Deb 12 February 1971 vol 811 cc276-7W
Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of State for Defence what steps he is taking to introduce staff economies in the British Embassy in Washington, where 779 persons are at present employed.

Mr. Kirk

The British Defence Staff, which forms part of the Embassy in Washington, is subject to frequent review both of its task and of its complement, which has been reduced from 257 in 1967 to a current figure of 176. These reviews, which include periodical inspection of the staffs on the spot, will be maintained with a view to seeking economies if possible.