There has been a six-fold increase in the Department of Health advertising budget since the Labour government came to power. In 1997-98 it stood at £2.27m, rising to £8.63m in 1998-99, and £14.83m in 1999-2000. Spending rose particularly on advertising for blood donation, nurse recruitment, NHS Direct, smoking, and winter campaigns.

(Hansard 15 June, column 673w)