§ Dr. Hampsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied that the 785 staff referred to on page 33, paragraph 5.16 of the Manpower Services Commission's manpower review 1981 are needed; how many additional staff this involves; and whether the extra cost is necessary.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonI am satisfied that the 785 staff referred to on page 53, paragraph 5.16 of the Manpower Services Commission's manpower review 1981 are necessary for the expansion of the youth opportunities programme which was announced in the House on 21 November 1980. No additional staff are involved since other areas of the commission's staffing are to be reduced leaving an estimated overall reduction of 330 in the period 1 April 1981 to 1 April 1982. I am also satisfied that the additional cost is necessary.