HC Deb 04 February 1999 vol 324 c764W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many dogs are currently employed by Her Majesty's Prison Service in England and Wales. [69094]

Mr. George Howarth

The total number of dogs in the Prison Service at the end of January 1999 were 752. These are broken down as:

  • 462: German shepherd dogs of which 18 are dual purpose dogs.
  • 178: Active drug dogs.
  • 34: Passive drug dogs.
  • 78: Arms and explosive search dogs.