§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his latest estimate of redundancies that must be achieved by the end of the financial year in each of the six research councils; and if he will make a statement. [30240]
§ Mr. HoramThere is no specific target for redundancies that must be achieved by the end of the financial year. However, staffing levels are kept under continuous review by the research councils' senior management and the Director General of the Research Councils, with the aim of ensuring that councils' missions are pursued as efficiently and effectively as possible. Councils endeavour to achieve any reductions in posts through natural wastage and voluntary departures.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much is in this financial year's budget for estimated redundancy payments to the research councils. [30241]
§ Mr. HoramIn the financial year 1995–96 the research councils currently expect to incur expenditure of around £17 million on redundancies—including early retirements and restructuring. This includes payments in respect of departures in 1995–96 and ongoing payments in respect of earlier departures.