§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many press officers there are in his Department. [47042]
§ Dr. WhiteheadI refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs. May) on 19 March 2002,Official Report,column 220W.
Since then one press officer has rejoined the DTLR press office on return from maternity leave.
§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the total cost of running the Department's press office was in(a)1996–97 and (b)the latest year for which figures are available. [46806]
§ Dr. WhiteheadDue to changes in the functions and responsibilities of the Department it is not possible to answer the question in the form requested.