To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many 0845 or similar cost telephone numbers are used by (a) his Department and (b) related departmental bodies for public access to services. (179008)

The information as requested is not readily available centrally within the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). To respond fully would involve an extensive information collection exercise which would exceed the recommended disproportionate cost threshold. However, to be helpful; using a variety of information and data sources relating solely to DCSF headquarters, the following information can be provided.

DCSF currently sponsor seven telephone numbers with the prefix (a) 0870, and 10 telephone numbers with the prefix (b) 0845. Alternative geographic telephone numbers are available in each case.