asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many full- and part-time appointments, respectively, are made by him which are not subject to regulation by the Civil Service Commission; what is the total sum paid annually as salary and expenses for such appointments; and if he will take steps to reduce the number of such posts.

My right hon. Friend has made three full-time and 1,078 part-time appointments to the various public bodies for which he is responsible. Of these, three and 101 respectively are salaried, and the annual salaries total £232,393. Comprehensive information on expenses is not, however, readily available. The number of appointments is kept under review.