§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the latest figures for the number of staff presently employed, and the full complement of staff,172W including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of his Department; and what is the proposed complement for 1990–91.
§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 12 March 1990]: There are 39 posts in the Department's press office; two are currently vacant. The total includes 15 clerical and support posts. The complement for 1990–91 will be broadly similar.
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total expenditure by his Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year; and what is his latest estimate for the current year and budget for 1990–91.
§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 12 March 1990]: Separate figures for expenditure on press and public relations before 1987–88 are not readily available. Expenditure in that year and subsequently was:
£ thousands 1987–88 1,155 1988–89 1,633 11989–90 1,847 1estimated. The figures include regional press officer and other support services. I expect expenditure in 1990–91 to be broadly the same as in the current year.