§ Mr. Temple-Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total sum so far spent fulfilling the provisions of the Sex Discrimination Act; and how much it is envisaged will be spent by the end of 1976.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe Equal Opportunities Commission has the main responsibility for ensuring the effective enforcement of the Sex Discrimination Act in the public interest. The costs falling directly on the Commission are estimated at £269,000 for the period ended 31st March 1976. The estimated total cost of the Commission in the next financial year is £1,315,000.
§ Mr. Bulmerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff it is intended to recruit to operate the Sex Discrimination Act; and what is the current estimate of the annual expenditure that will be incurred.
§ Dr. SummerskillApproval has been given for an initial complement of 98 staff. Additional staff will be needed as the work of the Equal Opportunities Commission develops and regional offices are opened. It is estimated that when the Commission is fully operational the staffing requirement will be about 400 and the total cost of remuneration and other expenses will be £2.25 million.