asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will state the number of persons em- ployed in the fish division of his Ministry; how many have had previous experience of the trade; and the present approximate amount of money being expended on the fish division of the Ministry?

The number of persons employed in the fish division of my Department at Headquarters is 172, and the number employed locally is 38. 17 officers have had previous experience of the industry. The salaries of Headquarter personnel are at the rate of approximately £40,000 a year; other figures of cost are not available.

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that he is getting full value for that expenditure?

Yes, Sir.