Written question asked by David Winnick (Labour) on Thursday, 29 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 July 2000. It was answered by Charles Clarke (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 July 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many forms were sent to police officers of all ranks asking if they are freemasons; how many replies stated they (a) were and (b) were not freemasons; and how many declined to answer. - Inc figures and fact that a breakdown of figures between officers and support staff is not available.

Answer: Mr. Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many forms were sent to police officers of all ranks asking if they are freemasons; how many replies stated they (a) were and (b) were not freemasons; and how many declined to answer. [129109] Mr. Charles Clarke: Some 151,091 forms were sent to police officers and civilian support staff in 32 police forces in England and Wales. Of those, 610 who responded declared that they were freemasons, 49,431 declared that they were not freemasons, and 101,042 did not respond or responded by declining to say whether or not they were freemasons. A breakdown of figures between officers and support staff is not available.

Secondary information