§ 5. Mr. E. H. Keelingasked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many persons are employed in the Post Office Public Relations Department, and at what annual cost; and what were the figures before the war.
§ Mr. GammansI assume the hon. Member refers to the public relations staff at Post Office headquarters. This numbers 40, including clerical, at a salary cost of £28,000; these figures include three special men on productivity and four from Cable and Wireless, at a total salary of £6,500. Before the war, the staff was 69 at a salary cost of £26,500; these included the film unit (now with the Central Office of Information) numbering 33 at a salary cost of £10,500.
§ Mr. KeelingCan my hon. Friend say whether, in view of the need to reduce national expenditure, any economies in Public Relations staff are under consideration?
§ Mr. GammansYes, Sir. The question of reducing the cost of the Public Relations Department is under investigation.
§ Mr. HobsonAm I to understand from the Minister's reply that the Public Relations Department of Cable and Wireless is completely integrated with the Post Office?
§ Mr. GammansThere are four members from Cable and Wireless who are included in the figures I have given.
§ Mr. Richard AdamsDoes not the Minister feel uncomfortable through being surrounded by so many Public Relations officers in view of his previous strictures on them?