HL Deb 18 April 2000 vol 612 cc96-7WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 31 January (WA 11), how accurate is the figure of £67 million spent on government advertising from April to December 1999 when, according to a further Written Answer on 6 April, information relating to the value of external public relations and consultancy contracts entered into by Government is not centrally held. [HL1964]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The Answer I gave on 31 January refers to government advertising, most of which is bought through the Central Office of Information. The Answer given on 6 April refers to public relations and consultancy contracts which are not managed or purchased centrally.