§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 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. [71474]
§ Mr. Kilfoyle[holding answer on 16 February 1999]: Rules governing the work of the Government Information and Communication Service are laid down in the "Guidance on the work of the Government Information Service", 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 these documents have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
509WThe cost of press releases by the Cabinet Office and its agencies since May 1997 is approximately £42,500. Details relating to the Central Office of Information can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many press releases have been issued by his Department, its agencies and non-departmental bodies in each of the years 1990 to 1998. [71473]
§ Mr. Kilfoyle[holding answer on 16 February 1999]: The total number of press releases issued by the Cabinet Office and its agencies between 1980 and 1998 was 1,449. This can be broken down as follows:
Year Number of press releases 1998 305 1997 189 1996 218 1995 330 1994 272 1993 47 1992 43 1991 42 1990 3 Total 1,449 The Central Office of Information issued 28 press notices in its own right in 1998. However, records dating further back are not maintained.