To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 5 February 2009, Official Report, column 1415W, on departmental marketing, for what reason the average expenditure increased in the year 2007-08. (257273)

The additional expenditure in 2007-08 relates primarily to the Fireworks Safety Campaign and the public appointment of a new Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Office's procurement policy includes provisions to achieve best value for money in procurement of goods and other services.