HC Deb 27 July 1979 vol 971 cc565-6W
Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his policy in his Department, and in all Government agencies sponsored by his Department in February 1974 and at the latest available date.

Mr. David Howell

The numbers of staff employed by my Department on 1 April 1974 and 1 April 1979 and the financial provision for salaries and wages in the relevant years were as follows:

towards the retailing of electrical consumer products by the State-owned electricity undertakings; what element of subsidy from public funds is attracted by this operation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The industry receives no subsidy from public funds for the sale of appliances. The latest figures for appliance sales are given in the Electricity Council's annual report for 1978–79 published yesterday.