HC Deb 20 March 2002 vol 382 c434W
Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many press releases were issued by his Department(a) between 1 May and 31 December 1997 and (b) in each year from 1998 to 2001 inclusive. [40034]

Ms Blears

The information requested is shown in the table.

year Number
1 May 1997 to end of year 230
1998 556
1999 742
2000 664
2001 552

Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were employed in a press or public relations function in his Department on 1 January in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000, (e) 2001 and (f) 2002. [39940].

Ms Blears

The information requested is shown in the table.

serve on the group as part of their responsibilities within the two Departments rather than in a personal capacity. The officials who attend meetings may also vary depending on their availability and the topics under discussion. For these reasons we do not consider it would be appropriate to list individual names. We are currently consulting on proposals to extend the membership of the group and we will consider, in the light of replies to consultation, whether there would be a case in future for listing the names of individual members.