§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Prime Minister how many press officers were employed in his office in each year from 1990–91 to 2003–04; what the total cost was in each year; and if he will make a statement. [162855]
§ The Prime MinisterI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 3 February 2003,Official Report, column 17W.
At 31 March 2003, there were eight staff working as press officers in the No. 10 press office including one on secondment from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The total cost for running the No. 10 press office for 2002–03 was £1,375,894. The increase reflects the ever increasing media demands with the advent of more outlets, 24 hour news and growth of the internet, for example.
As at 1 March 2004, there were eight staff working as press officers in the No. 10 press office including one on secondment from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Final cost figures for 2003–04 are not yet available.