Public Relations

Mr. Dobson
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the latest figures for the number of staff presently employed, and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts, in the press and public relations office of his Department; and what is the proposed complement for 1990–91.

Mr. Atkins
[holding answer 12 March 1990]: The Department has a current complement, within its information division, of 16 posts for press and public relations, with no vacancies. The proposed complement for 1990–91 is 16.

Mr. Dobson
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total expenditure by his Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year; and what is his latest estimate for the current year and budget for 1990–91.

Mr. Atkins
[holding answer 12 March 1990]: The total expenditure on the Department's press and public relations office since 1984–85 is as follows: --
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These figures cover the overall costs of running the press office, calculated using HM Treasury simplified ready reckoner for staff and other costs. Before 1984–85 the information division was a common service of the Departments of Transport and of the Environment and the Property Services Agency.