To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Ruislip-Northwood of 18 March 2010, Official Report, column 1032W, on the Office for National Statistics, with what frequency each of the desks at each location are staffed; and how many full-time equivalent staff are allocated to staff the desks at each location. [324692]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.

Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2010:

As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question pursuant to the Answer to the right hon. Member for Ruislip-Northwood of 18 March 2010, Official Report, column 1032W, on the Office for National Statistics, with what frequency each of the desks at each location are staffed; and how many full-time equivalent staff are allocated to staff the desks at each location. (324692)

The size of the International Passenger Survey (IPS) operation at each air, sea and international rail site is determined by the volume of traffic. Therefore, the heavier the volume of traffic, the greater the number of IPS shifts operated. Also the higher the density of passengers passing through a particular site, the larger the team of interviewers required to undertake the work.

The IPS operates at all significant ports of entry/departure in the United Kingdom. At smaller sites, where the operating procedures do not require it, or where conditions do not allow it, desks are not provided.

The attached table shows a list of the number of shifts and typical staffing levels planned for 2010 at sites with desks. A shift is typically either AM or PM although this does vary across sites as does the mode of operation. An AM shift is normally 0600-1400 and a PM shift 1400-2230.