Plaid Cymru has questioned the work being done by the Wales Office press office.

The Welsh nationalists called on Welsh secretary Paul Murphy to explain exactly what his department has been doing since devolution.

In an answer to a parliamentary question asked by Elfyn Llwyd, it was revealed that the department's three press officers have only produced 236 pressreleases since July 1999.

"Only a couple of weeks ago we discovered that the Under-Secretary of State for Wales had received just 19 letters in eight months. It is now apparent thatthe whole department - that employs three press officers - has published just over an average of seven press releases a month over the past two and ahalf years," said Llwyd.

"It is quite astounding that a department that has expanded since devolution, and now employing more people seems to be doing less work.

"If only seven press releases are being produced a month by three press officers, then there cannot be much good news coming from the department."

Llwyd, the MP for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy, said Wales needed an effective secretary of state.

"Unfortunately, there is little evidence of an effective and efficient Wales Office at present. The national assembly and the people of Wales are losing out - and the Wales Office seems to be having an easy ride. The Wales Office must do more for the people of Wales."