HC Deb 25 July 1989 vol 157 cc694-5W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the number and gradings of his officers who are currently working in the directorate of rural affairs; and whether he proposes any increases following the changes announced to the Nature Conservancy Council and Countryside Commission.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

[holding answer 20 July 1989]: There are currently 99 staff working in the Department's directorate of rural affairs. The grades of these staff are as follows:

Number
Grade 3 1.0
Grade 5 3.0
Grade 6 2.0
Grade 7 11.5
SEO/SPTO 9.0
HEO 16.0
EO 18.0
AO 26.0
AA 12.5
99.0

These figures include one additional SEO who has already been allocated to assist in work concerned with reorganising the conservation agencies. Further adjustments will be made if necessary.