HC Deb 08 February 1984 vol 53 cc674-5W
Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is, for the last 12 months available, the amount spent by his Department on advertisements in (a) newspapers, (b) television and (c) radio on the health hazards of smoking.

Mr. John Patten

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is, for the last 12 months available, the amount spent by his Department on advertising in (a) newspapers, (b) television and (c) radio about the availability of social security benefits.

Mr. Newton

The amount spent by the Department advertising social security benefits in 1983–84 is estimated to bi;(a) in newspapers £156,000, (b) on television £376,000 and (c) on radio £16,000. These campaigns included one-parent benefit and statutory sick pay.

In addition over £1 million was spent on posters and leaflets explaining various social security benefits and there was considerable publicity by Regional Information Officers in local media. Detailed information is also given at the back of individual child benefit, retirement pension and other benefit order books.

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