§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Prime Minister what the total cost of running his press office was in(a)1996–97 and (b)the latest year for which figures are available. [46813]
§ The Prime MinisterThe total cost of running the No. 10 press office for 1996–97 was £597,240, and for 2000–01 was £954,659. The increase reflects the ever increasing media demands with the advent of more outlets, 24 hour news and growth of the internet, for example.
§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Prime Minister how many press officers there were in No. 10 Downing street on(a)1 May 1997 and (b)the latest available date. [46880]
§ The Prime MinisterAt 1 May 1997, there were nine press officers, and at 31 March 2002, there were 10 press officers on the payroll of No. 10, and one on secondment from FCO.