§ Mr. DobsonTo 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 1990–91.
§ Mr. WakehamThe staffing of my Department's press office, including the speech-writing unit, is currently 13. There are no vacancies and no decisions have been made to change the complement for 1990–91.
4W
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what was the total expenditure by his Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year; and what is his latest estimate for the current year and budget for 1990–91.
§ Mr. WakehamThe estimated expenditure in 1989–90 is £615,000. This figure includes:
- (i) forecast expenditure by the Press Office.
- (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 speech-writing unit).
The corresponding expenditure for previous years is as follows:
£ 1988–89 475,000 1987–88 460,000 1986–87 293,000 Expenditure for the years prior to 1986–87 is not available on a comparable basis. Currently proposed expenditure for 1990–91 is £655,000.