HC Deb 04 May 1995 vol 259 cc260-1W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much staff time, and at what estimated cost, was put into compiling the departmental annual report; and what were the figures for each year for which figures are available since 1990. [20171]

Mr. Nelson

To estimate the staff time for each year since 1990 would incur disproportionate cost. For the 1995 report—"Chancellor of the Exchequer's small Departments", Cm 2817—it is estimated that across the seven departments covered by the report approximately 50 man days, at a cost of some £17,000, was spent compiling the departmental report.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures the Department takes to assess the cost and staff implications of compiling material for the departmental annual report. [20172]

Mr. Nelson

The departmental report sets out spending plans, priorities, targets and achievements of the departments for which the Chancellor is responsible. The cost and staff implications for compiling material are kept to the minimum necessary to produce a clear and informative report.