HC Deb 14 April 2003 vol 403 c498W
Mr. Pickles

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much his Department spent on(a) publicity, (b) promotions, and (c) hospitality in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [103230]

Mr. Leslie

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) was created following the Machinery of Government changes on 29 May 2002. The table shows the Office's expected spend on publicity, including fire safety advertising; promotions, including housing, planning and neighbourhood renewal initiatives; and hospitality; from 1 June 2002 to 31 March 2003.

£000
Publicity 5,830
Promotions 5,150
Hospitality 14

Mr. Pickles

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much was spent by his Department, its predecessors and its agencies on external consultants, in each year since 1997; what annual cost savings this expenditure resulted in; and if he will make a statement. [103231]

Mr. Leslie

The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.