HC Deb 15 July 1998 vol 316 c190W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of his Department's officials and at what grades are currently processing asylum applications; and what were the equivalent figures in May 1997. [49876]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The information requested is given in the table:

Number
1 June 1998
Senior Executive Officer 13
Higher Executive Officer 50
Executive Officer 179
Administrative Officer 114
Administrative Assistant 130
Total 1486
1 May 1997
Senior Executive Officer 22
Higher Executive Officer 79
Executive Officer 273
Administrative Officer 149
Administrative Assistant 161
Total 684
1This figure excludes 45 members of staff who now form part of the Asylum and Appeals Policy Directorate

These figures reflect the re-deployment of staff in preparation for the computerisation and integration of the caseworking functions.