To ask Her Majesty's Government how many members of staff in the Northern Ireland Office are in receipt of danger money; how much; and why.

Since 1992 the Northern Ireland office has paid a special allowance to all administrative staff working in Northern Ireland. The allowance was introduced in recognition of the department's work in the law and order field.

The allowance, which has not been uprated since 1994, is in two parts: Part A, an annual amount, paid monthly, of £287 and Part B, a daily attendance allowance of £1.31 paid only to individuals who attend certain designated sites. This element is subject to a maximum of £287 in any one year. A review of these allowances will commence shortly.

At present, 1,542 staff in the Northern Ireland Office are in receipt of Part A, and 270 are also in receipt of Part B.