§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many outside accountancy firms a:re employed by his Department; whether such employment is subject to guidelines; and whether he takes steps before employing an accountancy firm to discover whether the firms have been censured by Department of Trade and Industry inspectors in their inquiries under the Companies Act.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Department is currently taking advice from five accountancy firms on various subjects including financial and management consultancy, audit and information technology. In appointing firms the Department follows Treasury guidelines and consults the Treasury on each individual case, before a commission is awarded. No separate consultation is generally undertaken with the Department of Trade and Industry.