§ Mr. LansleyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [132780]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonIn 2000, 125 press notices have been released to 30 June. The cost to date to the Treasury for the services of the Central Office of Information (COI), which distribute press releases, has been £14,709.60. The number of press notices released and the amounts billed to Treasury by COI in previous years are as follows:
Number of press notices COI distribution costs (£) 1997 184 18,682.00 1998 239 25,186.62 1999 283 23,899.50