HC Deb 17 December 1987 vol 124 cc624-5W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest figure for the number of staff presently employed in the press and public relations office of his Department; and what is the number planned to be employed at this point in 1988.

Mr. Hurd

The present complement, of all grades, for the Home Office press office is 18 and is currently under review.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest figure for the estimated spending in 1987–88 by his Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material; and what are the estimated expenditures in each area for 1988–89.

Mr. Hurd

During 1987–88 it is estimated that a total of £8.6 million will be spent on paid publicity of all kinds. Approximately £5.1 million of this will be for television, press, and other advertising. A more detailed breakdown cannot be given at this stage.

For 1988–89 there is provision for £8.7 million to be spent on paid publicity of all kinds. No further details are available at present.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest figure for the number of staff presently employed in the press and public relations office of the Metropolitan police; and what is the number planned to be employed at this point in 1988.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the number of staff of all grades employed on press functions is 43. No major changes in the level of staffing are expected in the next 12 months.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest figure for the estimated spending in 1987–88 by the Metropolitan police on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material; and what are the estimated expenditures in each area for 1988–89.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the latest figures for 1987–88 are as follows:

£
Television Advertising Nil
Radio Advertising 6,000
Newspaper Advertising 1,573,000
Other promotional material 1,034,000

The estimate of expenditure for 1988–89 has not yet been decided.