asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons are at present on loan or secondment from industry or commerce to his Department; what is the total annual cost to the Exchequer for their services; and what extra sum is being paid to them by industry and commerce in order to meet their previous salary levels.

On 1st January, 1972, there were four persons on secondment to the Treasury from industry or commerce. Two of these were seconded from the Bank of England, which has con- tinued to pay their full salary. The total annual cost to the Exchequer of the services of the others is estimated to be £16,635 including travelling and other expenses. To give details of outside earnings would involve disclosure of information given to the Department in confidence by outside employers.