§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many members of his Department, of whatever grade or specialisation, are engaged whole or part-time in public and press relations, expressing the total in whole-time equivalents; and what is their total annual cost to public funds.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe number of staff in the press office engaged in public and press relations is eight. In addition, the number of support staff attached to the press office is eight. Their total cost in terms of average salaries and ERNIC (earnings related national insurance contribution) is £126,790.