HC Deb 28 March 1995 vol 257 cc552-3W
Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage 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. [16277]

Mr. Dorrell

My Department's public relations requirements are normally met in-house. During 1993–94, a public relations company was contracted to assist with a programme of events marking the 50th anniversary of D-day. The contract, which was in line with central Government guidelines, cost £62,500.

Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage 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. [16211]

Mr. Dorrell

Central Government conventions for the use of public relations companies are set out in "A Working Guide For Government Information Officers", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.