§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total sum paid out in fees by his Department to management consultants in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his estimate for 1992–93.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe Department does not keep separate records of expenditure on management consultancy. Taking consultancy as a whole, the figures are in the table.
£ million 1983–84 3.624 1984–85 7.726 1985–86 13.647 1986–87 17.220 1987–88 27.564 1988–89 47.730 1989–90 40.907 1990–91 78.094 1991–92 76.987 1992–93 167.047 1 Estimated. Notes:
1. By far the majority of expenditure relates to information technology consultancy services in respect of the operational strategy.
2. The figures prior to 1989–90 relate to the combined Department of Health and Social Security.
3. Information prior to 1983–84 is not available.