§ 37 and 50. Sir T. Beamishasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will give details of the approximate cost in 1968 of the 113 additional public relations and Press officers appointed between September, 1964 and this summer, above the estimated annual salary cost of £230,000, showing separately wages and salaries of subsidiary staff contingent upon these appointments, provision for pensions or gratuities on termination of service, 1130 estimated expense claims, and other resultant costs including the provision and maintenance of additional office accommodation, and transport;
(2) why 113 additional Government public relations and Press officers were appointed between September, 1964 and this summer; and what increases or reductions have since been made, or are proposed during the next 12 months, on the criteria laid down in reply to a Question on 7th March, 1966.
§ Mr. DiamondThe 113 staff, not all of whom fall in the hon. Member's description, reflect the expansion of Government business and our wish to keep the public informed. Nine appointments have been made since May last, with nine more in the Post Office; it is not yet possible to say what posts will be approved for next year. Pay of subsidiary staff is estimated at £95,000, pensions, gratuities and National Insurance at £90,000, and accommodation and ancillary services at £95,000.
§ Sir T. BeamishHow does the Minister account for the fact that the Government's popularity and their relations with the Press have both deteriorated in inverse proportion to the number of P.R.O.s and Press officers employed at such great expense to the taxpayer?
§ Mr. DiamondThat would speak very well as to the Government's bona fides.