HC Deb 06 March 1978 vol 945 cc494-5W
Mr. Brotherton

asked the Minister of Overseas Development how many complimentary copies of Overseas Development are distributed.

Mrs. Hart

7,521 copies of each issue are distributed free as part of the official information programme.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what has been the cost to pubic funds of "Overseas Development" since issue number one.

Mrs. Hart

The cost of printing and distribution since April 1970 is £32,450. Records covering the period before this to November 1966 are not readily available and it would be disproportionately expensive to try to establish the cost for those years.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what steps are taken to acquire paid advertising for "Overseas Development".

Mrs. Hart

None. Even if it were considered appropriate to accept commercial advertising in an official journal of this kind, the international readership is too diverse and thinly scattered to be likely to attract cost-effective advertising support.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Minister of Overseas Development who took the decision to devote two whole pages in the January 1978 issue of "Overseas Development" to a defence of the provision of public funds to the Mozambique Government.

Mrs. Hart

The editor; but only one of the six columns referred to contains an explanation of the Government's policy on aid to Mozambique. The rest carry a report of my official visit to Southern and East Africa in October 1977.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Minister of Overseas Devlopment who is the editor of Overseas Development ", and how many other staff are employed in full or part time capacity on the editing and production of Overseas Development ".

Mrs. Hart

The editor, Mr. J. Stead—(senior information officer)—is supported by one half-time information officer and one full-time clerical officer. Other members of the Ministry contribute from time to time. Printing and most of the distribution is done externally under Her Majesty's Stationary Office arrangements.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Minister of Overseas Development how many current subscribers both individual and corporate there are to "Overseas Development"; and what income in a full year this realises.

Mrs. Hart

738, realising £1,248 in a full year.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the total cost to public funds of Issue Number 68 of "Overseas Development".

Mrs. Hart

Printing and distribution costs were approximately £1,030.

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