andMr. O'Kennedy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of the expenditure of £20,000 on consultancy services in 1984; the number of people employed on this work; and how these people were recruited.
Written Answers. - Consultancy Services.
611.
To date in 1984, £17,293 has been paid to a firm of consultants for providing consultancy services in my Department. Of this £14,759 (including 23 per cent VAT) represents the fee and £2,534 the expenses incurred on travel, subsistence and communications. These expenses are paid in accordance with normal Civil Service regulations. One person is usually engaged on this work. The firm is employed on a contract basis.
612.
andMr. O'Kennedy asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will give details of the expenditure of £359,000 on consultancy services in 1984; the number of people employed on this work; and how these people were recruited.
Of the £339,000 allocated for expenditure on consultancy services in 1984 for my Department, £112,604 was paid out by 31 October 1984, of which details are as follows:
|
£ |
|
|
Legal |
34,698 |
|
Economic/Industrial |
22,287 |
|
Accountancy |
16,326 |
|
Oil Price Surveys |
14,754 |
|
Market Research |
7,472 |
|
Miscellaneous |
17,067 |
|
Total |
112,604 |
In regard to the number of people employed, seven relatively small contracts were for consultancy work by individuals but all the rest was for work by firms or other bodies for whom details of the number of people employed on each assignment is not readily available.
Individuals or firms engaged in consultancy work are selected on the basis of suitability, reputation and proven experience. In so far as possible, the policy is to avoid engaging the same firm or individual repeatedly.