§ Mr. Pymasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) who appoints the Director-General of the British Agricultural Export Council;
(2) what is the total budget of the British Agricultural Export Council;
(3) how many people are employed by the British Agricultural Export Council;
(4) what proportion of the budget of the British Agricultural Export Council is taken up in salaries;
(5) how many applicants there were for the post of Director-General of the British Agricultural Export Council;
(6) in what papers and on what dates the post of Director-General of the British Agricultural Export Council was advertised;
(7) if he will list the organisations contributing to the British Agricultural Export Council.
§ Mr. ShoreThe British Agricultural Export Council is an independent association of subscription paying members representing virtually the whole spectrum of the agricultural and allied industries. Its remit is to promote agricultural exports, a sector of great current opportunity.
It has required grants in aid from the Government since 1968 to supplement its income. The size of my Department's grant, which is now determined on the advice of the British Overseas Trade Board, has been increased from £20,000 in 1974–75 to £25,000 in 1975–76 and is expected to go up to £35,000 in 1976–77. This increase takes into account the conclusion of the BOTB and the Council that the Council at this moment needs a Director-General well versed in the agricultural industry and Government administration who can strengthen its organisation to carry an increasing load and effectively represent the Council at top official level both nationally and internationally.
For its part the Council has already increased its income from members from 40W £20,575 in 1974–75 to about £35,000 in 1975–76.
The Director-General is appointed by the Finance and General Purposes Committee of the Council.
For 1974–75 the Council's total expenditure was just over £40,000. For 1975–76 it is estimated it will probably be about £60,000.
Including the Director-General, the staff of the Council comprises four executives and four supporting secretarial/clerical staff. The Chairman receives no salary.
For 1975–76 the proportion of the expenditure taken up by staff costs will be about 46 per cent.
As the future structure and financing of the BAEC is under consideration by the Government the BAEC did not feel itself in a position to offer a permanent appointment. I understand that in these circumstances no post was advertised and, therefore, no applications were received by the BAEC.
In addition to the BOTB subvention the Council in December 1975 was in receipt of subscriptions from 24 full members and 163 associate members. I am sending a comprehensive list to the right hon. Member.