asked the Minister for Education if he will state (a) for himself and (b) for the Parliamentary Secretary the cost of officially provided Christmas cards and greetings sent in 1969; if the postage was provided free by his Department; if so, the cost in each case; if he will give an estimate of the cost of cards on order for this year under each heading; and if the cards will be sent free.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Official Christmas Cards.
51.
In regard to 1969 the cost in respect of (a) was £20 13s 6d and (b) £128 10s. For the coming year the estimated cost in respect of (a) is £15 15s and in respect of (b) £110.
The cost of postage cannot be calculated as, in accordance with longstanding practice, the envelopes are franked and issued as part of the ordinary Departmental post.
Would the Minister like to multiply the cost of stamps by the number of cards issued?
I have not that figure.
It seems extraordinary that the Minister's expenditure should be only about 10 per cent of that of his Parliamentary Secretary. Could it be that Parliamentary Secretaries, guided by what happened in the case of the Minister for Industry and Commerce who issued 4,000 cards, consider this to be a means of promotion?
Good public relations.