To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost to his Department was of employing press and media officers in the last 12 month period for which figures are available; and what the cost to his Department was of employing such staff in the financial year 1996-97, expressed in real terms. [324806]

There are currently no figures available for the financial year 2009-10. However, the cost to the Department for employing press and media officers (including planning and support staff) in the financial year 2008-09 was £1,412,000. This figure excludes social security and pension costs.

The Department does not hold financial information which is older than 10 years.