To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the Answer of 10 December 2008, Official Report, column 197W, on departmental personnel, how many of the pre-surplus staff classified as such upon return from maternity leave; and how many of the pre-surplus staff have been classified as such for at least (a) six months and (b) 12 months.

[Official Report, 28 January 2009, Vol. 487, c. 589-90W.]

Letter of correction from Stephen Timms:

An error has been identified in the written answer given to the right hon. Member for Horsham (Mr. Maude) on 28 January 2009. The correct answer should have been: (250116)

The current number of pre-surplus staff (23 January 2009) is 2,849. The number of pre-surplus staff on maternity leave is 15. The total number of staff pre-surplus for at least six months is 1,071 and there are 661 who have been pre-surplus for more than 12 months.