Press and Public Relations Staff

HC Deb 26 April 1991 vol 189 cc575-6W

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of his Department.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Functions which are commonly associated with press and public relations are carried out by the Department's information division.

Figures for 1 April 1989 to 1 April 1991 are given in the table:

Information for the years 1979–80 to 1987–88 is not available in the form requested.

Date	Staff in post	Complement
1 April 1989	31	52.0
1 April 1990	52	57.0
1 April 1991	54	62.5

Thirty-three of the staff currently employed are information officers.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of the HEA/HEC.

Mr. Dorrell

This information is not held centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact Sir Donald Maitland, the chairman of the Health Education Authority, for details.