§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the subjects on which professional consultants' reports were commissioned by his Department, and the total cost to the Department of such reports, in each of the years 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978.
§ Mr. William Rodgers:Following is a list of reports commissioned by my Department since 1974 from professional management consultants. The list excludes any reports commissioned in connection with research and development.
Subject
1974–75
Study of the allocation of costs relating to British Rail freight traffic.
Study of financial situation of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.
Crew costs of bus operators.
Cost benefit analysis of Channel Tunnel.
International cross-Channel transport studies.
Total Cost £100,000
1975–76
Report and monitoring of financial affairs of French Kier Construction Group.
Study of the development of motorway communication traffic systems.
Study of National Freight Corporation financial prospects.
Port investment and pricing.
Financial advice on affairs of Port Industry.
Study of information requirements.
Total Cost £75,900
1976–77
Study of National Freight Corporation financial prospects.
Study of future prospects of the Port of London Authority.
Examination of financial viability of Drake and Cubitt, building contractors.
Advice on disposal of overseas subsidiaries of the National Freight Corporation.
Total Cost £229,000
1978–79
Report on the establishment of an inspection and control system for motorway service areas.
Study of financial situation of motorway service area operators.
Examination of cost of provision of new rolling stock for Royal Train by BRB.
Total Cost £92,400.