§ Mr. John Garrettasked the Minister for the Civil Service what is the present number of staff in the Exchequer and Audit Department; and how many of its members have accountancy or management qualifications.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisThe present strength of the Exchequer and Audit Department is 622. Nine audit officers are qualified members of one of the professional accountancy bodies or of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators. Four hundred and twenty three members of the audit staff have passed external examinations relevant to their work following a comprehensive training programme; the other 111 audit staff are under training. Since 1975, all new audit staff are required to qualify as members of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.