To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reasons the number of communications staff included as working for the Valuation Office Agency in the Central Office of Information’s White Book differs from the answer of 8 October 2007, Official Report, column 241W, on Valuation Office Agency. (181329)

The question asked by the hon. Member for South-West Hertfordshire (Mr. Gauke) referred to number of press officers employed by the Valuation Office Agency rather than number of communications staff.

Staff listed in the White Book are those involved in the full range of communications activities, both internal and external. Nine of those listed are involved in press office work, (averaging around 10 per cent. of their time) which together with a media relations manager, amounts to two full-time equivalent people with press officer responsibilities.