§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Lord President of the Council what are the latest figures for the numbers of employees of hon. Members paid via the Fees Office, who are covered by contracts of employment; and whether he intends to take steps to increase the numbers.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweAs at 31 December 1989, 1,273 staff employees of Members were paid via the Fees Office. Copies of the main terms and conditions of employment in respect of 781 staff have been furnished to the Fees Office at that date, leaving 492 staff—some of whom have been recently appointed—outstanding. The Fees Office continues to provide advice and guidance to individual Members seeking clarification on specific points of contractual detail, and I am satisfied that all reasonable steps are being taken to encourage adherence to the terms of the governing resolution.