asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will update the information on the numbers of unemployment review offices given to the hon. Member for Birkenhead on 21 May 1981,Official Report, c.158.

It is not possible to state the number of unemployment review officers because this varies from week to week and because many perform the function part time, in conjunction with other duties. However, the equivalent of 865 man years were used on unemployment review work, including a management element and support staff, in the 1981–82 financial year.