§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many information officers are currently employed by his Department; at what cost; and if he will give these figures in respect of each of the last four years.
§ Sir Keith JosephThe number and total cost of information officer group staff employed by the Department at the beginning of each of the last four years and on 1 November 1981 was as follows:
Number Total Cost (£) 1 January 1977 19 136,000 1 January 1978 18 140,000 1 January 1979 19 176,000 1 January 1980 18 182,000 1 November 1981 14 179,000 The information officer group in my Department comprises staff employed on press, publication, exhibitions and paid publicity.