§ Mr. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons were employed by the Scottish Development Agency in January 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984, respectively; and if he 42W will make a statement on any plans to take on further staff as from the current month, regarding functions, numbers and extra cost.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe number of persons employed by the Scottish Development Agency on the dates in question were as follows: 43W
January Permanent full-time staff Temporary Staff and Secondees Part-Time 1976 481 — — 1977 553 — — 1978 599 16 — 1979 687 29 — 1980 700 49 25 1981 713 41 26 1982 724 50 27 1983 736 53 24 1984 719 52 13 The agency is subject to a staff limit of 750 which, in keeping with general public sector practice, has since 1984 been applied to all employees other than short-term temporary staff. In January 1985 the agency had 642 staff in post and 36 short-term temporary staff. Some 58 staff posts are currently under recruitment. The cost will be accommodated within the Agency's budgetary provision for salaries. Recruitment needs within the staff limit and budgetary provision are a matter for the agency. If the hon. Member wishes further details he should approach the chairman of the agency.