§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many press releases were issued by his Department in the financial years(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) 1999–2000; how many have been issued in the current financial year; and what his estimate is of the total number for the current financial year. [149241]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyIn 1996–97, our predecessor Department, the Welsh Office, issued 650 press notices, 774 in 1997–98, and 776 in 1998–99. The Wales Office issued 54 in 1999–2000 and has issued 88 this financial year. It is estimated that the total number for the current financial year will fall between 90 and 100 press notices.