§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total number of civil servants employed to look after Health and Safety Regulations in 1973 and 1974 in his Department until the transfer of responsibilities to the Department of Employment.
§ Mr. John SilkinOn 1st October 1973, 54 staff were employed full-time on farm safety work in the headquarters administration branch and in the safety inspectorate, and 342 field officers were engaged on it for about 30 per cent. of their time. The corresponding figures for 1st October 1974 were 57 full-time and 360 part-time, and for 1st October 1975, 120 full-time and 320 part-time. In addition a number of other administration and support staff were engaged on this work for part of their time. Responsibility was transferred to the Health and Safety Executive on 1st March 1976.
§ Mr. Sproatasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of the civil servants in his Department he estimates will retire within the next 12 months.
§ Mr. John SilkinAbout 3 per cent.