HC Deb 13 June 1977 vol 933 cc100-1W
Mr. Carson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many calls have been handled by (a) the Army and (b) the Royal Ulster Constabulary Press offices during the last measured period; how many staff are maintained to deal with Press inquiries; and on what salary scales they are paid.

Mr. Mason

The staffing and operations of the Army Press Office is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

Three civilians and 12 police officers are employed in the RUC Press offices dealing with a variety of public relations activities, including the processing of media inquiries. No record is kept of the number of calls handled.

One of the civilians is paid on the Northern Ireland Civil Service Principal Officer scale of £5,680–£7,450 and the other two on the Deputy Principal scale of £4,685–£6,375. The salaries of the 12 police officers are in accordance with current police pay regulations.