§ 37. Wing-Commander Hulbertasked the Minister of Food what is the number of public relations staff employed by his Department and the total annual salary and expense allowances paid to these officers; and what percentage this sum bears to the total cost of his Department's publicity.
§ Mr. StracheySixty-five public relations staff are employed in my Department, at a total annual salary of £26,921 7s. 8d. No expense allowances are paid to any of these officers; normal expenditure on travelling and subsistence is repaid in accordance with the usual Civil Service rules. The expenditure on salaries represents approximately 5 per cent. of the total cost of the Department's publicity.
§ Wing-Commander HulbertHas any effort been made to reduce this unproductive staff?
§ Mr. StracheyYes, Sir; this number is a considerable reduction on the past number.