Departmental Forecasting Team

Mr. Brotherton
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for a reduction in the size of the forecasting team in his Department.

Mr. Lawson
I have no immediate proposals for reductions, but I am keeping the Treasury's forecasting work under review.

Mr. Brotherton
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total number of civil servants employed on economic forecasting in his Department.

Mr. Lawson
The number of civil servants employed upon macroeconomic analysis and forecasting amounts to some 60 persons, including support staff. Most of this number have other duties besides economic forecasting.