§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on contracts with private detective agencies since 1991; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyI am not aware of any expenditure by my Department on contracts with private detective agencies. I am aware, however, that the Treasury Solicitor's Department does sometimes employ inquiry agents when pursuing debtors of the MOD and other Government Departments. While such services are not paid for directly by my Department, they will be included in the final costs submitted by the Treasury Solicitor's Department.