HC Deb 18 May 1995 vol 260 cc313-4W
Mr. Mike O'Brien

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the cost of printing, publishing and distributing "Management Matters"; who paid this and what charges were made to private organisations who were allowed to insert looseleaf advertisements in the magazine. [24587]

Mr. Horam

The average gross cost of printing, publishing and distributing each edition in the 1994–95 financial year was approximately £12,800.

The cost of producing "Management Matters" is met from the Cabinet Office—Office of Public Service and Science—budget.

Organisations which wish to place a looseleaf insert in the magazine are charged at a rate of £38 per 1,000 leaflets. Revenue raised is used to offset the magazine's production costs.

Mr. Mike O'Brien

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on whose and on what authority the Government publication for civil servants, "Management Matters" included looseleaf advertising for insurance and life assurance. [24585]

Mr. Horam

Each looseleaf advertisement that is inserted in "Management Matters" is approved by the magazine's editorial board prior to publication. The board, which comprises officials from the Cabinet Office— OPSS—and HM Treasury, examines each proposed advertisement against pre-determined criteria.

Mr. Mike O'Brien

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment has been made as to whether the insertion of looseleaf advertising for private organisations selling financial and other services in "Management Matters" might be understood by readers as implying an endorsement of particular commercial products, not withstanding disclaimers; and if he will place in the Library the reports which have evaluated such matters. [24586]

Mr. Horam

There are precedents for civil service publications carrying advertising. The editorial board gave careful consideration to the decision to insert looseleaf advertisements in "Management Matters". Taking into account the strict criteria it would apply and the disclaimer included in each edition—on which it took legal advice—the board took the view that such advertisements could not reasonably be regarded as bearing official endorsement.