asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons were employed by the Scottish Development Agency in January 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984, respectively; and if he will make a statement on any plans to take on further staff as from the current month, regarding functions, numbers and extra cost.

The number of persons employed by the Scottish Development Agency on the dates in question were as follows:

January	Permanent full-time staff	Temporary Staff and Secondees	Part-Time
1976	481	—	—
1977	553	—	—
1978	599	16	—
1979	687	29	—
1980	700	49	25
1981	713	41	26
1982	724	50	27
1983	736	53	24
1984	719	52	13

The agency is subject to a staff limit of 750 which, in keeping with general public sector practice, has since 1984 been applied to all employees other than short-term temporary staff. In January 1985 the agency had 642 staff in post and 36 short-term temporary staff. Some 58 staff posts are currently under recruitment. The cost will be accommodated within the Agency's budgetary provision for salaries. Recruitment needs within the staff limit and budgetary provision are a matter for the agency. If the hon. Member wishes further details he should approach the chairman of the agency.