asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many rent officers have retired since 3rd September 1974; how many of these have received gratuities as proposed in his Department's letter of that date reference H5/782/7 addressed to county rent officers and others; and what was the average amount of gratuity paid.

94 rent officers in England have retired since 3rd September 1974. 10 have received gratuities. The average amount paid to date is about £1,700.