§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Prime Minister what estimate he has made of total staff costs for No. 10 Downing Street in(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) 1999–2000, indicating separately the costs for (i) private secretaries, (ii) Policy Unit staff, (iii) Press Office staff, (iv) Strategic Communications Unit staff, (v) support staff and (vi) political office staff; and if he will make a statement. [80115]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 15 April 1999]: The total staff costs for No. 10 Downing street were £3.4 million in 1996–97, £4.1 million in 1997–98 and £4.9 million in 1998–99. Estimated costs for 1999–2000 are £5.3 million. Due to changes in the accounting systems it is not possible to give a breakdown of the 1996–97 figures as requested which means that a meaningful comparison with subsequent years cannot be drawn. The cost of the Political Office does not fall to the Government.