§ Mr. TrimbleTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 15 February,Official Report, column 679–80, on what basis consultants were selected for the small firms employment scheme; and if he will list the experience and qualifications of those consultants.
§ Mr. AncramThe Fair Employment Commission formed a panel of consultants who were engaged under the small firms employment scheme to provide consultancy advice to companies. Applications for inclusion on the panel were invited from established management consultants or consultancy firms who had at least five years proven experience in human resources/personnel consultancy with specific expertise in one or more of the following areas: selection and recruitment systems: use of psychometric instruments; and promotion of equality of opportunity in employment.
Applicants were also required to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Acts and the Fair Employment in Northern Ireland code of practice.
Although information regarding the experience and qualifications of individual consultants is available, it could be provided in the form requested only at disproportionate cost.