asked Her Majesty's Government:
How much the Northern Ireland Office has spent on media relations and related activities in each of the past five years; and what are the details under each heading. [HL1769]
Traditionally, the Secretary of State hosts a New Year media reception at Hillsborough Castle to which representatives from all key media outlets are invited. The cost associated with these receptions for each of the past three years is detailed below. The information for previous years is no longer available.
2004-05 £1,217.59 2005-06 £2,637.20 2006-07 £3,201.86
In addition, the Secretary of State also hosts periodical media lunches and dinners for broadcasters, newspaper editors and other media representatives. The costs associated with these events for each of the past three years is detailed below. The information for previous years is no longer available.
2004-05 £501.97 2005-06 £300.08 2006-07 £657.45