§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning staff hours in connection with the Working Time Directive. [95402]
§ Mr. BattleMinisters have regular meetings with staff representatives. Working hours have been discussed at such meetings. The staff of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are committed to advancing British interests overseas. The outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review is enabling the Department for the first time in years to recruit the staff it needs to meet its objectives, and to fill the gaps which have been a major cause of long hours.