§ Mr. Tom Kingasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many vacancies in his Department there are for which recruits are required but which have not yet been filled.
§ Mr. KaufmanRecruits are currently required for 58 of the vacancies in the approved staffing establishment for my Department to 1st April next.
§ Mr. Tom Kingasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many staff were employed by his Department in March 1974; how many are currently employed; and what increase if any he expects for the rest of 1975 and 1976.
§ Mr. KaufmanOn 1st October 1975, the most recent date for which details are available, there were 10,209 staff in post. On 31st March 1974 the corresponding number, adjusted for subsequent machinery of Government changes, was 9,723. Supply Estimates for 1975–76 allow for up to 10,488 staff by 31st March 1976. A further small increase may be needed during the remainder of 1976, primarily for new work arising from the Industry Bill.
§ Mr. Tom Kingasked the Secretary of State for Industry for what reasons any extra staff were recruited since March 1974; and for what reasons any extra staff will be recruited for the rest of 1975 and 1976.
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§ Mr. KaufmanExtra staff have been recruited since March 1974 mainly in order to replace secretarial assistance provided by agencies; to undertake extra work arising under the Industry Act 1972 and on research and development activity; to provide enhanced statistical services; and to fill hitherto existing vacancies mainly in personnel management work. The main reasons for the expected recruitment of additional staff during the rest of 1975 and 1976 are for new work arising from the Industry Bill and for security of buildings occupied by the Department.