HC Deb 16 June 2003 vol 407 c7W
Mr. Reed

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate the number of whole-time equivalent staff dedicated to agriculture in her Department. [114272]

Alun Michael

The number of permanent Defra staff (on a full-time basis at 1 April 2003) in a relevant work units in Defra is as follows:

Number
Agricultural Resources and Better Regulation Divison 25
Animal Health and Welfare Directorate General 668
Conservation Management Division 37
Food Industry and Crops Directorate 356
Land Management Improvement Division 23
Organics, Forestry and Industrial Crops Division 30
Rural Development Service 1,358
Science Directorate 105
State Veterinary Service 1,254
Sustainable Agriculture and Livestock Products Directorate 115

Some of these staff have responsibilities that do not relate exclusively to agriculture, but that could be quantified only at disproportionate cost.