§ Mr. GryllsTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy when his Department will be appointing outside consultants to advise on the sale of the electricity supply industry; if he will list the areas where he will be seeking outside advice and the names of the consultants who have applied to advise his Department; and when these appointments are likely to be made.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe consultants listed were appointed last year to provide advice on electricity privatisation
Kleinwort Benson —preliminary financial adviceTouche Ross —regulatory and accounting adviceSlaughter and May —legal adviceMerz and McLellan—technical adviceThe Department is considering the appointment of financial advisers for the next phase of electricity privatisation. Other appointments will be made in due course.