HC Deb 28 February 2000 vol 345 c118W
Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the(a) reasons for and (b) cost of the use of public relations and marketing consultants by his Department since 1997. [111510]

Mr. Straw

Public relations and marketing consultants are used only where new knowledge and experience is needed which adds value to the Home Office's activities and where the expertise is not available in house or from another source. Cost for the period since 1997 is £111,919.00.