§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the total cost of all work undertaken 1019W by Departments and outside groups in the market-testing process in each of the past three years.
Mr. Robert G. HughesMy Department holds information centrally on the cost to Government Departments of employing external consultants to support the "Competing for Quality" programme; other set-up costs; and the cost of departmental market-testing units and related support. Costs were reported in the citizens charter second report in March 1994. The information is currently being updated and will be announced in the new year. I will write to the hon. Member at that stage.