§ Mr. ButterfillTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what savings have been made since August 1989 as a result of reductions in the strength of security services in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [123663]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyThe Ministry of Defence does not hold information in the form requested for the period of time in question and therefore an answer could not be compiled with any accuracy. Reductions to armed forces levels in Northern Ireland do not necessarily result in a saving, to the Defence Budget as these resources are often re-deployed to other commitments.
The expenditure and manning levels for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (formerly the RUC) for the period in question are as follows.
91W
1989 2002 Budget (£ million) 420.6 654.2 Manning levels Regular Officers 8,264 7,041 Full-time Reserve 3,018 2,256