HC Deb 16 February 2000 vol 344 cc603-4W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the average cost of issuing a media release from his Department in 1999. [110271]

Mr. Rooker

The average cost of issuing a media release by this Department in 1999 was £51. This figure includes the costs incurred by Headquarters and Agencies. The figure given is the cost charged to us by the Central Office of Information who distribute media releases on our behalf to the national media.

The circulation spread covers all national and regional newspapers; broadcast—both visual and radio; and specialist magazines including the specialist ethnic and disability press. In addition, Benefits Agency releases are also distributed to local newspapers including free news sheets.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his Department's advertising budget for(a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–01. [110258]

Mr. Rooker

Information is not available in the format requested as the Department does not allocate an annual budget specifically for advertising. Any expenditure on advertising is included in the publicity budget. Such information as is available is as follows.

For the current financial year the budget for Headquarters and the Benefits Agency was £10,155 million. This amount covers the publicity for the whole range of Social Security benefits in addition to information about pensions and fraud. The amount includes the production of information leaflets, helplines, advertising, exhibitions, research and other marketing activity.

The publicity budget for 2000–01 is still under discussion and not yet finalised.

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