HC Deb 23 February 1999 vol 326 cc240-1W
Mr. Don Foster

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many press releases have been issued by his Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies in each of the years 1990 to 1998. [71456]

Dawn Primarolo

[holding answer 16 February 1999]The information is as follows:

Mr. Don Foster

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out the conventions governing the propriety and cost of press releases issued by his Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies; and what is the total cost of the press releases issued since May 1997. [71471]

Dawn Primarolo

[holding answer 16 February 1999]Rules governing the work of the Government Information and Communications Service (GICS) were set out in guidance published by the Cabinet Office in July 1997. More specific guidance on the writing and issuing of press releases is given in the Working Guide for Government Information Officers. Copies of both documents are in the Library of the House.

Since May 1997 (May 1997-December 1998) the Treasury has been billed a total of £22,819 for the services of the Central Office of Information, which distribute press releases electronically, by fax and by courier service. This figure does not include postage. The same information requested of the Treasury's agencies and non-departmental bodies is not held centrally and could be obtained only a disproportionate cost.