§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many staff are currently employed by British Rail; and what are their functions. [78981]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI understand from the British Railways Board that the latest (March 1999) staff in post figure is 2,363. Of these, 2,194 work for the British Transport Police. The remaining 169 staff are largely employed on the administration, and sale where appropriate, of the BR property estate, on other residual BR functions and central services such as finance and legal.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the total wages bill for British Rail for the last 12 months for which figures are available. [78982]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe total staff costs of the BR Board for the year to 31 March 1998 are shown on page 21 of the BR Annual Accounts 1997–98. Total salaries and wages in that year were £83.7 million. This related to an end year employment figure of 2,386, down from 4,328 at end 1996–97.
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