§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many outside accountancy firms are employed by his Department; whether such employment is subject to guidelines; and whether he takes steps before employing an accountancy firm to discover whether that firm has been censured by Department of Trade and Industry inspectors in their inquiries under the Companies Act.
§ Mr. CopeForty-three outside accountancy firms are employed; such firms are invited to tender for the provision of advisory services on the basis of their suitability to provide the relevant advice. In making such appointments inquiries are carried out as necessary and, where appropriate, in the light of advice given by Her Majesty's Treasury on the appointment of consultants.