§ Mr. DafisTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, how many research staff have been employed by the Library in each of the last 10 years; and what plans he has to increase the numbers of Library research staff.
§ Mr. BeithNumbers of research staff on the establishment of the Library in each of the last 10 years —that is, deputy assistant librarians and library clerks, including the international affairs and defence section, are set out in the table in full-time equivalents.
Number 1983 22 1984 22 1985 22 1986 23 1987 23 1988 26 1989 27 1990 28 1991 29 1992 32 These figures exclude support staff. I understand that proposals for an increase in the establishment of the research division are in preparation, and will be considered by the House of Commons Commission in accordance with its usual practice.