HC Deb 11 March 2002 vol 381 cc847-8W
Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost is of producing and distributing "NHS Plan News"; and how many copies were distributed. [42307]

Mr. Hutton

The cost of producing and distributing "NHS Plan News" was £800,000 a year for four quarterly issues. This is a cost of 0.2p per copy. Approximately, one million copies per edition were distributed.

Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his plans are to replace "NHS Plan News". [42368]

Mr. Hutton

As part of the continuous drive for effectiveness and value for money in its communications the Department is currently seeking proposals from commercial organisations about partnership arrangements to produce a regular publication for NHS staff. A commercial tendering process is under way. Any contract awarded as a result of this will be duly announced.