HC Deb 21 May 2004 vol 421 cc1284-5W
Mr. Laws

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 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. [162851]

Yvette Cooper

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was created on 29 May 2002.

On 1 April 2003, ODPM (c) employed 21.8 full-time equivalent press officers. Salary costs for the period 1 June 2002 to 31 March 2003 were £0.86 million.

On 1 March 2004, 23 full-time equivalent press officers were employed. Salary costs for the period 1 April 2003 to 29 February 2004 were £0.96 million.