To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much has been spent on (a) the purchase of and (b) bills for (i) BlackBerrys and (ii) other mobile telephones for (A) Ministers, (B) special advisers and (C) civil servants in his Department in each year since 2005. (268241)

The Northern Ireland Office groups expenditure for BlackBerrys and mobile phones together.

Expenditure for the purchase of these items is posted against telecommunications expense headings which contain spend for other goods and services. Therefore extracting the purchase costs required could be done only at disproportionate cost.

Total departmental spend, excluding Agencies and Executive NDPBs, on BlackBerry and mobile phone charges from 2005-06 to 2007-08, is shown in the following table:

The decrease in spend in 2007-08 reflects a new contract which has reduced line rental costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) BlackBerrys and (b) other mobile telephones have been provided to (i) Ministers, (ii) special advisers and (iii) civil servants in his Department in each year since 2005. (268290)

Records for the number of mobile telephones and BlackBerrys are maintained on a rolling basis and therefore it is only possible to give an accurate picture of the total number currently in use.

As of 1 April 2009, 28 BlackBerrys are being provided by the Department; One to Ministers, two to special advisers and 25 to civil servants. On the same date, 341 mobile phones are being provided, two to Ministers and 339 to civil servants.