To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what the average cost to his Department was of employing a press and media officer in 2007-08; (215197)

The Prime Minister's Office forms part of the Cabinet Office.

As at 31 March 2008 there were 16 Press Officers in the Cabinet Office in a number of different grades. Information on the average cost to the Department of a press officer would be available only at disproportionate costs.

Press Officers usually fall within the Technical and Information Specialists pay bands (TIS grades), with senior press officers falling in Pay Band A.

Copies of the Cabinet Office pay scales have been placed in the Library of the House.