To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 4 June 2008, Official Report, columns 1010-14W, on departmental manpower, what functions were carried out by the full-time equivalent employee in the Trade Union division. (210259)

This employee, working in the Corporate Services Directorate, is given 100 per cent. facility time, with management agreement, to undertake his joint role as chair of the departmental trade union side (DTUS) and chair of the DCMS branch of the public and commercial services union (PCS). Main duties attached to the post include

leading for the DTUS in formal meetings/consultations/negotiations with senior management on issues relating to pay and terms and conditions of employment;

ensuring the PCS Branch is run in accordance with its constitution and union rules;

ensuring that PCS members are kept informed and consulted on relevant local and national union matters;

representing members with personal work issues;

Vice President and committee member of the Culture, Media and Sport Occupational Association.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many staff are employed in his private office. (210409)

[holding answer 12 June 2008]: There are six members of staff working in my private office.