§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will set out the conventions governing the propriety and cost of press releases issued by her Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies; and what is the total cost of the press releases issued since May 1997. [71465]
§ Clare ShortRules governing the work of the Government Information and Communications Service (GICS) are laid down in the Guidance on the work of the Government Information Service published by the Cabinet Office in July 1997. More specific guidance on the writing and issuing of press releases is given in the Working Guide for Government Information Officers. Copies of both documents are in the Library of the House.
Since May 1997, the Department for International Development has issued 110 press releases. The total cost of these press releases is approximately £13,000. The costs include postage and wire service.
The Commonwealth Development Corporation has issued 42 press releases since May 1997. The total cost of these press releases is approximately £6,000. The costs include postage, wire service, photocopying and consultancy services.
§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many press releases have been issued by her Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies in each of the years 1990 to 1998. [71450]
§ Clare ShortThe Department for International Development has issued the following number of press releases in each of the years 1990 to 1998:
Year Number 1990 114 1991 102 1992 111 1993 94 1994 106 1995 71 1996 50 1997 58 1998 74 The only relevant agency or non-departmental body to issue press releases is the Commonwealth Development Corporation which has issued the following number of press releases in each of the years 1990 to 1998:
630W
Year Number 1990 no figures available 1991 no figures available 1992 no figures available 1993 no figures available 1994 no figures available
Year Number 1995 9 1996 20 1997 16 1998 28