§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the(a) national, (b) regional and (c) local newspapers and media bodies to which his Department sent news releases during the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000. [113984]
§ Dr. MoonieThe information requested is not recorded. All media outlets can request press releases—current or archive—at any time. In addition, all MOD press releases are made available on the Internet. Targeted distribution of press releases relies on the subject and content of the specific press releases.
§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000 what was(a) the number of occasions on which couriers were used to distribute news releases from his Department and (b) the total cost of using couriers to distribute news releases. [113972]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Ministry of Defence uses the Central Office of Information (COI) News Distribution Service. Until April 1998, we subscribed to their courier service. For the period 2 May 1997 to 31 March 1998 we used the couriers on 240 occasions at a total cost of £9,600 (240 x £40).
From April 1998, MOD has distributed press releases electronically and by fax only, through the COI News Distribution Service. Press releases are also posted on the Internet.