§ Mr. Maddenasked the Lord President of the Council how many staff are employed in the Government's Common Market special information unit, established to provide on request factual information, interpretation of the renegotiated terms and the like; of what grade; from which Government Departments have staff been seconded; what new staff have been appointed; what is the total estimated cost of the unit; and when it will be closed.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe Referendum Information Unit employs 16 people between clerical officer and Assistant Secretary level. Their grades are: two Assistant Secretaries; one chief information officer B; three Principals; one information officer; two higher executive officers; two executive officers; one administration trainee; one clerical officer; three secretaries.
In addition to Cabinet Office personnel, staff have been seconded from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department of Industry, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the Central Office of Information. No overall new staff or accommodation costs are, therefore, involved, but the estimated salary costs for the present staff, for a period of three months, is £20,000. The estimated telephone installation and rental charges are £6,000, and expenditure to date on printing, stationery and advertising is about £10,000.