HC Deb 12 December 1994 vol 251 cc510-1W
Mr. Mullin

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much was paid to Strategic Consultants for "Marketing Your Business"; and if he will list other contracts between his Department and this company over the last three years.

Mr. Ian Taylor

"Marketing Your Business" was one of a series of business skills seminar workbooks which were originally written in 1988 by a group of experienced training providers on behalf of the Training Agency. It is not possible to identify the separate cost of writing this workbook. Since April 1992 Strategic Consultants Limited has undertaken the following contracts for my Department: July 1992—Testing and editing material for two business skills seminar titles—cost £4,284 December 1992—Review and revision of business skills seminar material (5 titles)—cost £5,875 February 1994—Revision of business skills seminar material (3 titles) - cost £7,373

Mr. Mullin

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the cost of producing and distributing "Marketing Your Business"; how many copies were produced; how many have been withdrawn; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ian Taylor

"Marketing Your Business" was one of a series of business skills seminar workbooks originally written in 1988 by a group of experienced training providers on behalf of the Training Agency. It is not possible to identify the separate cost of writing this workbook. The printing, publishing and sale of business skills seminar workbooks is licensed by Her Majesty's Stationery Office to Vector Business Development and involves no cost to my Department. I understand that around 50,000 copies have been produced and distributed since 1988. Distribution has now ceased.

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