HL Deb 03 November 1983 vol 444 c680WA
Lord Harris of Greenwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

The total uniformed strength of HM Customs and Excise on 1st October 1983, and the complete figures for 1st October 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982 respectively.

Lord Cockfield

Figures for 1st October each year are not available, but the total uniformed strength of HM Customs and Excise is given below for 1st April each year:

1979 .. .. .. .. 4,665
1980 .. .. .. .. 4,382
1981 .. .. .. .. 4,162
1982 .. .. .. .. 3,959
1983 .. .. .. .. 3,746
Some 10 per cent. of uniformed staff are engaged on office messengerial or security duties.