To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the cost effectiveness of Government-commissioned advertising in the last 12 months relating to matters falling within the remit of his Department. (226513)

Expenditure on Government- commissioned advertising is included within the framework of the Northern Ireland Office’s procurement policy which aims to achieve “best value for money” in the procurement of goods and services over the lifetime of a contract. This allows wider policy objectives to be considered in the procurement process so that it meets the tests of need, affordability and cost-effectiveness and complies with the UK’s EC and international obligations.