§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department spent on public relations during the financial year 1993–94; how much contracts with the private sector cost; and if he will list the activities covered by these contracts. [16284]
§ Mr. LangThe running cost of the Scottish Office information directorate in 1993–94 was £1.4 million. No public relations companies were employed by my Department during that period.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidelines his Department has issued to its agencies and other public bodies under its authority in respect of the employment of public relations companies and the procedures to be adopted in relation to requesting tenders for public relations companies. [16213]
§ Mr. LangGuidelines on the employment of public relations companies are contained in the central Government conventions on publicity and advertising which have been recognised by successive Governments. 951W Detailed guidance on tendering procedures is regularly issued to agencies and passed to other public bodies on request.