To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many language translators are employed in each of her Department’s Executive agencies; and what the cost of translating services provided by such people was in the latest period for which information is available. (257154)

The Home Office headquarters (HQ) and the UK Border Agency (UKBA) do not employ any language translators or interpreters; translators are hired as and when a specific need exists. It is not possible to provide the cost of the translating services used by HQ and UKBA without incurring a disproportionate cost.

The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) employ four examiners who, among other things, deal with applications and inquiries submitted in Welsh. The salary scale for examiners ranges from £15,977 to £17,459. IPS also paid £2,785 for external translating services in the 2008-09 financial year up to the end of December 2008.

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) employs one Welsh translator at executive officer grade; the salary scale for an executive office in CRB is £19,829 to £24,789.