§ Mr. Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many permanent officials are currently employed by the Price Commission; how many temporary officials are currently employed by the Price Commission; from which organisations or Departments temporary officials are seconded; what are the numbers from each source; what is the average duration of secondment; what are the requisite qualifications for temporary staff on secondment to the Price Commission; and what was the total cost of operation of the Price Commission for the latest financial year.
§ Mr. John FraserAt 30th April 1978 the total number of staff employed by the Commission was 587. I will ask the chairman to write to the hon. Member about temporary staff employed by the Commission. The cost of the Commission during 1977–78 is provisionally estimated to be £4.9 million, excluding the cost of services provided by other Government Departments and borne on their Votes.