§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of his Department's staff are actively engaged in promoting trade with the countries of eastern European(a) based in the United Kingdom and (b) based in those countries; and what are the comparable figures for 1979.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe answers to the first two parts of the question are 28 and none. The answer to the third part is more complicated but as far as I can tell the equivalent figure in 1979 was 24. Staff have recently been increased by the appointment of a G5 officer and secretary and an HEO and EO to reflect the opportunites and larger workload in eastern Europe. Similarly the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is strengthening its staff numbers in this area. In584W addition, both now and in 1979, staff in other parts of my Department, including regional offices, spend part of their time in helping to promote trade with these countries.