asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what is the present number of staff employed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

220.

Can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that all the members of his staff will be fully conversant with the principles of Parkinson's Law?

Would it be fair to say that "big brother" will be watching them?

Could the Economic Secretary say whether this number includes the personal public relations officer appointed by the First Secretary? Could he say why it is necessary for the First Secretary to have a personal public relations officer in addition to the Press relations officer of a normal Government Department? Is it because the right hon. Gentleman feels that his image has become badly tarnished in the first 40 days?

The personal Press officer appointed by the First Secretary is not paid by the Government or by the Department. He is drawing no salary or income from Government funds at all. His own financial position is his own personal responsibility. The reason for this appointment is so that we may achieve the object, so frequently announced but not achieved by the previous Prime Minister, of bringing the country and the Government into closer consultation with each other.