§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why the staffing establishment of his multi-disciplinary team dealing with the Community Land Act 1975 was raised from the seven announced by the right hon. Member for Deptford (Mr. Silkin) on 8th March 1976 to the 11 announced by the hon. Member for Greenwich (Mr. Barnett) on 25th January 1977; what additional duties were allocated to it in that period; and what are (a) the staffing complement and (b) the establishment costs for the 1977–78 financial year.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettSince March 1976, the multi-disciplinary team has increasingly given professional advice to the Environmental Board; in addition, since October 1976 it has provided the Board's secretariat. One higher executive officer (A) and one clerical officer post were transferred from elsewhere in the Department to provide part of the secretariat. The remainder of the increase is represented by one research officer and one senior personal secretary.
No change in the number of staff is expected during 1977–78; salaries and general administrative expenses for the year are estimated at £92,000.