Written question asked by David Burnside (Ulster Unionist Party) on Monday, 21 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 April 2005. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 April 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many officers (a) were employed by the Special Branch of the Police Service of Northern Ireland immediately before the implementation of the Patten Report and (b) are serving in PSNI Special Branch.

Answer: David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many officers (a) were employed by the Special Branch of the Police Service of Northern Ireland immediately before the implementation of the Patten Report and (b) are serving in PSNI Special Branch. [223687] Mr. Pearson: The information is as follows. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Number 1 January 2001 E dept. (including HMSU) 855 Total 855 18 March 2005 C3 intelligence 433 C4 crime support 281 Total 714 _________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Secondary information