HC Deb 13 November 1980 vol 992 c451W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff are employed in his Department as messengers or general assistants in reception areas; and how this number has increased or decreased in the last 12 months.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

On 31 October 1980, 501 messengers and 37 general assistants were employed in the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments. The number of staff employed has increased by one since 31 October 1979 following recruitment to meet a vacancy which existed at that time.