§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) 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 of the armed forces; and what is the proposed complement for 1989–90;
(2) what 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 his Department; and what is the proposed complement for 1989–90.
§ Mr. SainsburyThere is a total of 217 posts on the strength of the Defence public relations staffs. These include staff in single service headquarters as well as in joint headquarters and in central staffs in the Ministry of Defence. Latest available figures show there to be 213 staff in post and four vacancies.
The proposed complement for 1989–90 is 221.
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) 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;
(2) what is the latest figure for (a) the estimated expenditure by the armed forces on press and public relations during 1988–89 and (b) the budget for 1989–90.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe Ministry of Defence expects to spend £2,419,000 on press and public relations in 1988–89. This comprises expenditure on films, exhibitions, publications and equipment, and covers expenditure on single-service activities as well as on central defence work. In addition, the estimated staff costs are £4,962,000.
The estimated figures for 1989–90 are £2,784,000 and £5,210,000 respectively.