HC Deb 05 March 1997 vol 291 cc660-1W
Dr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many hygiene inspectors were employed by(a) his Department and (b) the Meat Hygiene Service (i) on the most recent date available and (ii) in each year since 1979. [18167]

Mr. Ancram

It is possible to provide only details of the numbers of staff employed by the Department of Agriculture from each year since 1990. To provide details for earlier years would incur disproportionate costs.

  1. (a) Meat inspectors employed by the Department of Agriculture
    • February 1997: 132
    • March 1996: 118
    • March 1995: 118
    • March 1994: 129
    • March 1993: 133
    • March 1992: 136
    • March 1991: 134
    • March 1990: 143
  2. (b) There is not a separate meat hygiene service in Northern Ireland.