Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 7 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 March 2001. It was answered by Tony Blair (Labour) on Monday, 12 March 2001 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what was the cost of running the Strategic Communications Unit for each financial year since 1st May 1997. - Includes figures and ref to 348 c22W.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what was the cost of running the Strategic Communications Unit for each financial year since 1 May 1997. [153265] The Prime Minister: I am replying to this question as it relates to matters for which I am responsible. The cost of running the Strategic Communications Unit (SCU) in 1999-2000 was £838,421. In the current financial year, the cost up to the end of December 2000 was £732,364. For information on previous years' expenditure, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10 April 2000, Official Report, column 22W.

Secondary information