asked the Prime Minister what is the cost to public funds of the Central Policy Review Staff; how many people are currently employed by it; how many projects have been completed to date; and what projects are currently in operation.

The current annual cost of the CPRS, which at present has 17 members together with supporting staff, is £412,000, including provision for accommodation and administrative overheads. It is not the normal practice to disclose the subjects on which the CPRS advises Ministers. Five reports have been published: Energy Conservation; A Joint Framework for Social Polices; The Future of the British Car Industry; the Future of the United Kingdom Power Plant Manufacturing Industry; and Population and the Social Services.