I move:
That a sum not exceeding £16,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of December, 1977, for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Minister for Economic Planning and Development.
I simply say briefly that the net sum required is £16,000. This is to meet the salaries and other expenses of the Minister and certain members of his office staff recruited directly. The vast majority of the staff engaged in the office since the Minister was appointed on 5th July are officers on transfer from other Departments—the Department of Finance and the Department of the Public Service—and their salaries and other costs will, of course, be met from the Votes under their respective Departments.
