§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many press officers were employed in his Department in each year from 1990–91 to 2003–04; what the total cost was in each year; and if he will make a statement. [162849]
§ Mr. RammellThe number of UK based press officers working in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Press Office in 2003–04 is 17 and their cost for the year is estimated to be £738,353. Costs comprise salary, employer's national insurance contributions and employer's pension contributions. There are further press officers based at overseas posts however their numbers and costs could be obtained only at disproportionate costs. For years prior to 2003–04 I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 23 January 2003,Official Report, column 469W.