HC Deb 13 March 1989 vol 149 c20W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy 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 his Department; and what is the proposed complement for 1989–90.

Mr. Parkinson

The staffing of my Department's press office, including the public inquiry point and support staff, is currently 13. There are no vacancies and no decisions have been made to change the complement for 1989–90.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy 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. Parkinson

The estimated expenditure for 1988–89 is £475,000. This figure includes:

  1. (i) forecast expenditure by the press office;
  2. (ii) staff costs (salaries, accommodation and common services) for all permanent information service and support staff currently in post in the press office including the public inquiry point.

Currently proposed expenditure for 1989–90 is £575,000.