§ Mr. MacGregorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people are employed in his Department on statistical surveys; and what is the annual cost of such work.
§ Mr. ShoreThe number of people employed on the Department's statistical surveys varies greatly from time to time, depending on the nature of the surveys. During 1976 there have been 11 major statistical surveys, engaging the equivalent of 10 people on their preparation and control, at a staff cost of around £52,000 excluding overheads. This excludes routine statistical inquiries and returns, small ad hoc surveys and surveys relating to functions now transferred to the Department of Transport.