§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultancy agreements his Department has entered into for(a) the current and (b) future financial years on (i) efficiency studies, (ii) value for money studies, (iii) financial control systems and (iv) other related matters; and in each case what are the costs (1) now committed and (2) estimated to be incurred. [11084]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotBudget holders throughout the Ministry of Defence have delegated authority to engage external advisers, on a paid consultancy basis or otherwise, to conduct independent reviews of aspects of the Department's work. Information on such studies is not collected centrally, or in the format required, and the details could therefore be provided only at disproportionate cost.