§ 38. Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Defence what reductions there have been, following the defence cuts imposed since February 1974, in his Department's expenditure on the promotion of overseas defence sales; and what has been the effect on the number of personnel employed within the defence sales organisation, with special reference to training, quality assurance and general product support.
§ Mr. MasonThe size of the staff in the defence sales organisation is 368, compared with 380 in mid-1974. The cost of the organisation has increased because of the effects of wage awards and higher administrative expenses. The size of the organisation is kept under review, and support on training, quality assurance and other functions continues to be provided by the Service Departments and the procurement executive.