§ Mr. LansleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many press releases were issued in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) this year to date; and what the total cost of the production and issuing of these press releases was in each year. [132748]
§ Ms StuartThe Department adheres to the Access to Information Code of Practice and continually reviews the most cost effective methods for issuing press releases. The total cost of producing and issuing press releases cannot be separately identified as many of the costs are absorbed within the expenditure for running the Department's Communications Directorate.
The table shows the cost of distributing press releases provided by external suppliers in each financial year requested:
Financial Year £ 000 1997–98 53 1998–99 102 1999–2000 107 2000–01 to date 44 The table shows the number of press releases issued each calendar year requested:
Year Total 1997 406 1998 556 1999 742 2000 to date 372