HC Deb 28 July 2000 vol 354 cc961-2W
Mr. Lansley

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many press releases have been issued so far this year; and what the total cost of the production and issuing of press releases was in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 to date. [132778]

Mr. Foulkes

Rules governing the work of the GICS 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 documents are in the Libraries of the

House. Twenty-three Press Releases have been issued by the Department so far this year. Press Releases are issued via post, and through the COI's News Distribution Service. The total cost of production and issuing of releases for the years 1997–2000 inclusive is outlined as follows:

  1. (a) 1997–8,180
  2. (b) 1998–10,090
  3. (c) 1999–10,710
  4. (d) 2000–5,420.