§ Mr. Hanleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services on how many occasions his Department sponsored advertisements in national newspapers in the last three years; which newspapers were chosen for these campaigns; which local newspapers were used in these campaigns; and which newspaper publishing groups received payment for advertising space.
§ Mr. NewtonThe information is not readily available in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the selection of media used in the Department's campaigns is on the basis of the most cost-effective means of reaching target audiences. For some local campaigns, local newspapers can play an important role and are included in the schedule. Examples of such campaigns include blood donors, the latest phases of the AIDS campaign and the winter campaign to publicise the extra help available towards heating costs.