HC Deb 02 June 1992 vol 208 c482W
Mr. Dobson

To 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 Widdecombe

The 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.