HC Deb 28 February 1990 vol 168 cc219-20W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what were the itemised costs of the initial review of the craft industry in January and February 1988.

Mr. Peter Walker

[holding answer 21 February 1990]: The review of the craft industry was carried out by Mr. Tony Ball on behalf of the Department at a total cost of £6,212.04. Mr. Ball undertook the study free of fees and the sum of £6,212.04 represents:

  • £2,503.76 expenses paid to Mr. Ball (covering travel and subsidence at Civil Service rates)
  • £3,268.80 + VAT support costs to Tony Ball Associates—of which:

£
Secretarial services: 1,001.00

Fares: 140.80
Creative work: 1,680.80
Printing, photographing, couriers etc. 447.00

£439.48 payments direct to hotels where meetings were held.

Had the work been undertaken at commercial consultancy rates, I estimate that the total cost would have certainly exceeded £25,000. I am grateful to Mr. Ball for completing this major study speedily and free of fees.