§ Mr. Jim MurphyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many diplomatic staff members, in each grade, were on gardening leave on 31 March for each year since 1997; and for what reason staff were on gardening leave.[38952]
§ Mr. FatchettThere are no officers on gardening leave, but the hon. Member may like to know that on 31 March 1997, 15 officers were on standby while awaiting a new assignment. On 31 March 1998 the figure was 8.