To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what his Department's policy is on the renewal of the contracts of (a) temporary and (b) agency staff. (264294)

The recruitment of temporary staff is governed by the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Code.

The Department's general policy is to use its own staff to cover any unfilled posts on a temporary basis. Temporary staff are normally only engaged where specific skills or expertise are required. External agency staff are used for short-term placements, unless there are exceptional circumstances.