HL Deb 11 December 1980 vol 415 c865WA
Lord Boyd-Carpenter

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why in contrast with all other departments it is planned that the Home Office is to have 1,410 more staff in post on 1st April, 1984 than it had on 1st April, 1979.

Lord Belstead

Because of the growth of the prison service (which comprises some two-thirds of the staff of the Home Office) and the provision for increases in other areas, principally immigration control and services in support of police operations. Overall the Home Office manpower target for 1st April, 1984, discounting staff for prison establishments, represents a decrease of 16 per cent. on previously planned levels.