§ Mr. Sproatasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the total cost of running the Food Science and Technology Board, including all main constituent costs of any sort whatsoever, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating and lighting and maintenance in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe costs of the board, its committees and working groups in 1976–77 were £2,665; in 1978–79 they are expected to be £2,800.
Except for an honorarium paid to the chairman of the board those members who are not officials give freely of their time, but they may claim reimbursement of their travel and subsistence expenses and, on occasion, luncheon is provided.
No allowance has been made for expenditure in connection with this body on Ministry salaries and accommodation which would have been incurred whether or not the body existed.