§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of the non-industrial staff of his Department were absent without authority on 14 May; how many of these hold politically sensitive posts; and if he will take steps to transfer those officials in the latter category to work where opposition to Government policy does not matter.
§ Mr. AlisonMy right hon. Friend is responsible for both the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Civil Service Departments. In these Departments, 22 non-industrial civil servants, less than I per cent. of the total, were absent without authority on 14 May. It has not been considered necessary to transfer any of them.