§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many press officers were employed in his Department in each year from 1990–91 to 2003–04; what the total cost was in each year; and if he will make a statement. [162850]
§ Ruth KellyI refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Truro and St. Austell (Matthew Taylor) on 1 April 2004,Official Report, column 1682W.
It is not possible to provide a total cost for staff employed as press officers on a consistent basis since 1990–91.
The number of press officers has remained broadly constant since 1992 at eight posts increasing to nine posts from 1 April 2003.