HC Deb 08 February 1980 vol 978 cc368-9W
Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many press and public relations officers are currently employed in his Department; what is the total cost; and what are the comparable figures for June 1970, October 1974 and May 1979.

Mr. Blaker

There are now 12 officers in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's news department. The total cost is £140,000. The comparable figures for May 1979 were 12 and £126,000. Details for June 1970 and October 1974 are not readily available.

The relevant figures for the Overseas Development Administration are as follows:

Staff in post Cost £
February 1980 3 37,000
May 1979 4 41,000
June 1974 3 17,000
October 1970 3 12,000
(figures for June 1970 are not available)