§ Mr. William Clarkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total number of vacancies advertised by his Department over the past six months in the national Press; what was the average cost of each of these advertisements; if he is satisfied that no overspending has occurred; and whether the jobs advertised were notified to the local employment exchange.
§ Mr. Denis HowellDuring the period 1st April to 30th September 1976, 20 advertisements for staff vacancies were inserted in the national Press and London evening papers. These covered 12 different job categories and a total of 340 vacancies.
The average cost of the advertisements was £474.25p, including production costs, resulting in an average cost per vacancy of £28. I am satisfied that this represents no overspending.
In accordance with the normal Civil Service Commission instructions the Department always notifies all appropriate staff vacancies to the local employment exchanges. However, the Civil Service Commission has a requirement that vacancies for posts in the Civil Service should be seen to be available in "open competition" and this is best achieved by additionally advertising in the local and/or national Press.