§ Mr. Maddenasked the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will undertake not to place any advertisement on behalf of the House, including job vacancies, in newspapers published by News Group Newspapers and Times Newspapers Ltd.
§ Mr. BeithNo. Recruitment advertisements for posts in the House service are placed in a variety of newspapers depending on the nature of the posts, past experience of the effectiveness of different newspapers, and the wishes of the Department concerned.
§ Mr. Maddenasked the Lord Privy Seal what has been the cost of buying newspapers for the benefit of hon. Members and officials over the past year; and what proportion of newspapers available in the House are provided free by newspaper publishers.
§ Mr. BiffenIn 1985 expenditure on newspapers for use in the House was approximately £29,000. About 27 per cent. of the newspapers provided by the Department of the Serjeant at Arms for Members and senior officers of the House are supplied free, as are approximately 60 per cent. of the newspaper titles available in the Library's Reference Room.