HC Deb 09 March 1992 vol 205 cc395-6W
Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give, for each year from 1978–79 to the latest available, the total number of staff administering the social security programme.

Mr. Hanley

The information requested is as follows:

Year Total number of staff
1984 4,488
1985 4,435
1986 4,508
1987 4,692
1988 4,544
1989 4,470.5
1990 4,352.5
1991–92 4,284

Information prior to 1984 is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.