Press and Public Relations (Hansard, 13 March 1989)

§ Mr. Dobson
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the latest figures for the number of staff presently employed, and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts, in the press and public relations office of the Metropolitan police; and what is the proposed complement for 1989–90.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that 84 staff of all grades are currently employed in the directorate of public affairs of the Metropolitan police office. Of these 45 are in information officer grades and 39 are support staff. The complement is 89 posts. No major change in complement is proposed for 1989–90.

§ Mr. Dobson
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the latest figures for the number of staff presently employed, and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts, in the press and public relations office of the Home Office; and what is the proposed complement for 1989–90.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
There are at present 19 press officers and four support staff employed in the Home Office press office. There are no vacancies. During 1989–90 these numbers are expected to increase to 20 press officers and five support staff.

§ Mr. Dobson
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest figure for(a) the estimated expenditure by his Department on press and public relations during 1988–89 and (b) the budget for 1989–90.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
The full cost of staff and other costs of the Home Office press office is estimated at £647,500 for 1988–89. The expected cost for 1989–90 is £731,000.

§ Mr. Dobson
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest figure for(a) the estimated expenditure by the Metropolitan police on press and public relations during 1988–89 and (b) the budget for 1989–90.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the latest estimate of staffing and accommodation cost and spending on press and public relations by the directorate of public affairs is £5,321,000 for 1988–89. Provision for 1989–90 is £5,470,000.