§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current staffing complement, and annual administrative costs, of his housing development directorate; what were the equivalent figures for 1 July on each of 103W the years 1974 to 1978, inclusive; and whether he will review the role and functions of this directorate to see which at its work could be commissioned from outside organisations or university departments in the interests of saving public sector manpower.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe staff in complement at 1 July and administrative costs in respect of the relevant financial year for the housing development directorate are as follows:
Complement £000 1974 90 761 1975 93 959 1976 95 1,112 1977 94 1,118 1978 88 1,202 1979 89 1,414 (estimated) We are reviewing the role and functions of the directorate as part of the general review of Civil Service manpower, including the extent of the research and development work commissioned from outside organisations.