HC Deb 03 May 1990 vol 171 cc643-4W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the number of(a) staff and (b) man years his Department's staff spent on monitoring the import of animals and animal products since 1979; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

[holding answer 27 April 1990]: The data set out in my Department's management information system (MINIM), indicate that the resources devoted to import controls of animals and animal products were as follows:

Financial year Man years
1983–84 69
1984–85 72
1985–86 67
1986–87 70
1987–88 71

Financial year Man years
1988–89 84
1989–90 184
1 Provisional.

Data are not available before 1983–84. It is not possible to distinguish between number of staff and man hours.

In addition, and according to circumstances, other Ministry staff may be engaged in monitoring duties. Relevant information is not held centrally and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.