Vol. 445 No. 6
256 Miss Harney asked the Minister for the Environment the number of consultants, special advisers or programme managers retained by his Department since this Government took office; the nature of the work they have undertaken; and the cost of their services. [794/94]
I have one special adviser, as has each of the Ministers of State at my Department, and one programme manager who was already a serving officer of my Department. Their current salaries total £106,118 per annum. The primary role of the advisers is to provide advice and service to myself and the Ministers of State in relation to our functions and responsibilities, while the programme manager assists me in managing, co-ordinating and achieving the Government's objectives in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
My Department does not have any standing arrangements with consultants for the provision of services. The services of individual companies are used, as necessary, for particular assignments.
Information in relation to media-communications companies used in 1993 and in the first quarter of 1994 was given in the replies to Questions Nos. 148 on 8 February 1994 and 91 on 13 April 1994. Information in relation to other consultancy assignments is being compiled and I will send it to the Deputy at an early date.
