§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what the total expenditure on(a)information campaigns and (b)advertising was for his Department in each year since 1997; [146015]
(2) what the total expenditure on information campaigns and advertising was for his Department for each year since 1997. [146007]
§ Maria EagleThe Department for Work and Pensions was formed in June 2001. Between that date and March 2003, the Department spent a total of £35,031,354 alerting people to their rights, responsibilities and entitlements through information campaigns. Of this sum, £18,788,328 was spent on advertising using television, radio, cinema and press media. Information broken down by year is in the table.
£ Total publicity costs Advertising costs June 2001 to March 2002 22,727,979 13,787,594 April 2002 to March 2003 12,303,375 5,000,734 Totals 35,031,354 18,788,328 Notes:
1. Machinery of Government changes during the period 1997 to2001 mean that like-for-like figures are not obtainable without disproportionate cost. During this time communications activity was accounted for under different systems in the agencies, Headquarters and the Department for Education and Employment, part of which transferred to the Department for Work and Pensions.
2. All costs exclude VAT.
3. Advertising costs are total publicity costs excluding all production costs.
4. Information campaigns costing under £250,000 have not been included as a disproportionate cost would be incurred in compiling these figures.
343W