§ Mr. Knowlesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the prospects of avoiding an overall increase in the European Commission's size following enlargement of the Community.
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§ Mr. RifkindLatest indications are that the size of the Commission will increase but the growth in numbers will be significantly less than would have occurred had a pro rata quota for Spain and Portugal been added to the existing establishment. The Commission will require some new posts, especially interpreters and translators. In other areas new posts are not required and some Commission officials will be offered early retirement to make room for Spanish and Portuguese recruits especially at more senior levels.