To ask the Prime Minister (1) how many websites his Department operates; how many it operated at 1 January 2005; and what the estimated annual cost has been of running his Department’s websites in the last five years; (157913)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my predecessor (Tony Blair) to the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs. May) on 9 May 2007, Official Report, column 196W.

Information on the number of visits to the site can be found on the No. 10. website (http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page13384.asp). A copy of this webpage has been placed in the Library of the House.

The running costs for the No. 10 website the financial year 1 April 2006-1 April 2007 were £189,689. The costs reflect the creation of new channels with which to engage with the public, including e-petitions and the YouTube channel, both of which are major innovations in online Government communication.