asked the Minister for Health the number of staff employed in each health board area at January 1974, 1981 and 1984 under the following headings: clerical-administration; medical-dental; nursing-allied; catering-housekeepers; paramedical; maintenance; and others.

The information requested in respect of 1974 and 1981 is set out in the following tabular statements.

The total number employed by health boards at 31 March 1984 was 39,130. A breakdown of this figure by categories is not available. I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it comes to hand.

Year 1974

Source: Department of Health Personnel Census, February 1974.

Year 1981

Source: Department of Health Personnel Census, February 1981.

Will the Minister state if there has been a reduction in the number employed between 1981 and 1984?

The provisional figures for 1984 are available but because they show a notable increase as compared with 1981 in certain categories for some health boards it is necessary to check the figures with the health boards before they are published. A possible explanation is the use of different codes and coding practices between 1984 and the previous years. I will forward the information when it is available.

What is the total for 1981?

We cannot have a debate on tabular statements.

The total is 39,640.

Did I understand the Minister correctly when he said that there were 39,600 employed in 1981 and 39,130 in 1984, a reduction of 500?

At 31 March 1984 there were 39,130 and in 1981 39,640.

Therefore a decrease of 500.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.