§ 47. Mr. A. E. Cooperasked the Minister of Technology why he has appointed a public relations officer to his Department; and what is the cost to the Exchequer.
§ Mr. CousinsAs is the normal practice in all major Departments, the Ministry of Technology Headquarters has an Information Branch which is responsible for my Department's information and publicity activities. The Branch is headed by a Chief Information Officer who is paid in accordance with the salary scale for this grade in the Civil Service.
In addition, as announced on 17th December, I have engaged a consultant as Adviser on Information Policy to the Ministry. The appointment is on a part-time basis for a period of six months in the first instance at an annual rate of£3,300 plus necessary travelling expenses.