§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many members of his Department, of whatever grade or specialisation, are engaged whole or part-time in public and press relations, expressing the total in whole-time equivalents; and what is their total annual cost to public funds.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe press office of my Department consists of 15—(whole-time staff or equivalents)—of whom four provide typing and clerical support. The annual cost is £191,000. This sum reflects salaries and the employer's national insurance contributions.