§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what public relations, public affairs, advertising and marketing companies are retained to advise him; on what basis they are each appointed; what is the cost, tenure and purpose of their appointment in each case; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdThe Foreign and Commonwealth Office seeks the advice of a wide range of groups on presentational aspects of policy. Most advice given is on an informal and unpaid basis. Austin Knight Advertising UK Ltd., however, is retained by the Overseas Development Administration to advertise vacancies for overseas personnel. Their contract started on 1 June 1988 and expires on 31 March 1991. The contract was awarded following a competitive tendering exercise. The ODA does not pay a fee to Austin Knight but pays only for the advertising space.