§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. CurryThe information required for the financial years 1979–80 to 1983–84 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
The figures for subsequent years are as follows:
£ million 1984–85 3.2 1985–86 3.5 1986–87 3.1 1987–88 0.6 1988–89 0.8 1989–90 1.1 Figures for the years 1984–85 to 1986–87 refer to the total cost of press, public relations and paid publicity which could be separated to show expenditure on press and public relations only at disproportionate cost. Figures for 1987–88 to 1989–90 relate to press and public relations alone. The estimated budget for press and public relations for 1990–91 is £1.2 million.
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. CurryThe number of staff and complement in the press branch of the information division and related posts in the region is 26 and 29. The complement of staff is expected to be the same in 1990–91.