§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what(a) guidance and (b) encouragement is given by his Department to local authorities to use management consultants to improve the efficiency of local government; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloNone. It is for authorities themselves to decide whether to use consultants for this or other purposes. The Audit Commission and its auditors issue a great deal of very valuable advice to help authorities improve their efficiency.
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§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what involvement his Department had in the recent study by the PA Consulting Group andLocal Government Chronicle entitled, "The Management of Change in Local Authorities"; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloNone.