§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total cost to public funds of his Department's current recruitment advertising campaign for(a) press officers and (b) internal communications advisers; and if he will make a statement. [113208]
§ Mr. StrawThe total cost of current press officer recruitment advertising is approximately £31,700, including VAT. The Government Information and Communication Service has funded this advertising centrally, as the appointed press officers will be members of the Service and the recruitment process is likely to provide candidates for other Government press offices. There has been no cost to the Home Office. The total cost of advertising for internal communication advisers is £26,555 plus VAT. In addition, Capita RAS has charged the Home Office £15,300 plus VAT for its recruitment services, which include sifting and preparing interview panel facilities for the internal communication posts.