asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under his control in the period 16th October, 1964, to 15th April, 1966; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period 16th April to 15th October, 1966.

There was an increase of 635 in the staff of the Departments under my control between October, 1964, and April, 1966, and a further increase of 288 is expected by October, 1966.