HC Deb 17 May 1994 vol 243 cc439-40W
Mrs. Roche

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his answer of 10 May,Official Report, column 134, what was the total cost of the use of executive search agencies in 1992–93.

Mr. David Davis

No figures are held centrally for the costs of using search consultants in 1992–93; these costs are paid direct by the departments and agencies which use them.

Mrs. Roche

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what guidance is given by his Department to Government Departments and agencies regarding the use of executive search agencies and particularly regarding their cost to public funds.

Mr. David Davis

Advice on the use of executive search consultants is given in the "Guide on Public Appointments Procedures", produced in September 1992, by the Public Appointments Unit, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

More detailed information about the executive search process and what it involves is given in "Executive Searchlight", of which the third edition was issued by the unit in February 1994. This includes guidance on how and when to use executive search, and the need to ensure that this form of recruitment meets the requirements of the Department and provides value for money. I am arranging for a copy of this publication to be placed in the Library of the House.

Mrs. Roche

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his answer of 10 May,Official Report, column 134, if he will name the six executive search agencies referred to as being used by the Civil Service Commission.

Mr. David Davis

The six search consultants used by Departments for 11 appointments approved by the commissioners at grade 5 level and above in 1992–93 were:

  • Kom Ferry International Ltd.
  • NB Selection Ltd.
  • Price Waterhouse Executive Selection
  • Russell Reynolds Associates
  • St. James's Management Recruitment
  • Saxton Bampfylde International PLC

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