§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employees of his Department took early retirement packages, and at what total cost, in the financial year 1996–97. [104099]
§ Mr. ByersTwo hundred and twenty seven employees took early retirement packages at a cost of some £1.4 million in the financial year 1996–97. This represents 20 per cent. of the costs, the other 80 per cent. being met by the Treasury under the 80:20 Scheme in force at the time.