§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what contracts for technical and technological advice and research have been placed with external consultants since 1 April 1992; what was the total cost; and which such research was commissioned from agencies outside the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. McLoughlinMy Department does not classify consultancy contracts in terms of their activity or the contractors country of origin, and the information requested cannot be provided other than at disproportionate cost.