§ Mr. Bill MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many railway inspectors are currently in post; and how many vacant posts for railway inspectors are currently unfilled.
§ Mr. PortilloA total of 16 railway inspectors are currently in post. There are vacancies for eight inspectors and as a result of our recent recruitment exercise, we hope to fill most of these early in the new year.
§ Mr. Bill MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many railway inspectors were in post in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. PortilloThe number of railway inspectors in post in each of the last five years, as at 31 December, was:
Year Number 1983 22 1984 23 1985 23 1986 19 1987 19