§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many private security firms are employed by his Department or bodies associated with his Department; how many personnel are employed at which locations, on what responsibilities and duties, and at what annual cost; what have been the comparable figures for each of the last three years; and what estimates he has made as to the likely figures for 1984.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerIt is Government policy to contract out services such as security guarding when this is cost effective and makes good management sense. The Northern Ireland Office, Northern Ireland Departments and associated bodies employ 17 security firms; the number of personnel employed is not recorded. They are located at various Government premises and their duties include safeguarding buildings, plant and machinery and transporting cash, laboratory specimens and pharmaceutical supplies. The cost for 1983–84 is estimated at £3.0 million. Figures for the last three years are £1.9 million (1980–81), £2.5 million (1981–82) and £2.7 million (1982–83). The estimate for 1984–85 is £3.0 million.