Press and Public Relations Officers

HC Deb 16 November 1981 vol 13 cc24-5W

Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many press and public relations officers are currently employed in his Department; what is the total cost per annum; and what were the comparable figures for May 1979 and May 1980.

Mr. Hurd

There are now 12 officers in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's news department. The total cost is £175,000. The comparable figures for May 1979 were 12 and £126,000, and for May 1980, 12 and £167,000. The relevant figures for the Overseas Development Administration are four and £63,000 now, four and £44,000 in May 1979, and three and £44,000 in May 1980.