§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total sum paid out in fees by his Department to management consultants in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his estimate for 1992–93.
§ Mr. CurryThe annual costs of fees paid by the Department (excluding agencies) to management consultants, excluding computer consultants, since 1984–85 are set out in the table. Data for earlier years can only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Under decentralised budgeting arrangements in MAFF, there is no central provision for such consultancies in 1992–93. Any which are commissioned will have to be funded from the general running cost allocated to the units concerned. Decisions will therefore he taken as necessary during the year.
Financial year Expenditure (£) 1984–85 27,110 1985–86 174,724 1986–87 135,279 1987–88 44,015 1988–89 162,114 1989–90 143,150 1990–91 129,817 1991–92 441,351