§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [46803]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 10 April 2002]: Figures for 1996–97 are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. For financial year 2001–02, the cost of running the Ministry of Defence's central press office was £981,000.
§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many press officers there were in his Department on(a) 1 May 1997 and (b) the latest available date. [46890]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 10 April 2002]: Information for 1 May 1997 is no longer available.
As at 15 April 2002, the Ministry of Defence's Corporate Communications division employed 20 press officers in its headquarters press office and in its regional network. In addition, Defence agencies, the permanent joint headquarters and the single service commands and units also employ personnel with a press officer function, some as a secondary task to their main role.