§ 41. Sir Anthony Grantasked the Lord Privy Seal why the number of officers and staff of the House of Commons have increased by 45 per cent. in the decade 1970 to 1980; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BiffenI refer my hon. Friend to the annual report of the Commissioners for Regulating the Offices of the House of Commons and, since 1979, the House of Commons Commission. These reports, which are available in the Library, detail each increase in the staff complement made between 1970 and 1980 and the reasons for it.