§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health 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 Office of Population Censuses and Surveys; and what is the proposed complement for 1990–91.
§ Mr. FreemanThe number of staff presently employed in the press and publicity section of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys in 1989–90 and planned for 1990–91 is eight and nine respectively. There are no vacancies. The figures include five staff who are employed on a temporary basis to work on publicity activities for the 1991 census and an additional temporary post for 1990–91.
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (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 office of his Department; and what is the proposed complement for 1990–91;
(2) 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. Kenneth ClarkeMy Department has no section that can be separately identified as public relations. Functions which are commonly associated with press and public relations are carried out by the Department's information division.
The position on 1 March 1990 was:
- Staff presently employed 52
- Full complement of staff including vacant posts 57
Twenty-six of the staff presently employed are information officers. Disussions on the proposed complement for 1990–91 are not yet complete. Estimated expenditure for manpower and running costs in 1989–90 is £898,000. The budget for 1990–91 has not yet been agreed. Figures for 1979–80 to 1988–89 are not available in the form requested.
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total expenditure by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys 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. FreemanThe information requested is given in the table. The figures, in cash terms, include staff costs and expenditure on, or planned for, the census of population.
56W
Expenditure (£000s) at cash prices Year Press and Public Relations 1979–80 125 1980–81 220 1981–82 250 1982–83 130 1983–84 145 1984–85 160 1985–86 165 1986–87 120 1987–88 145 1988–89 190 1989–90 300 11990–91 600 1 Estimate.