§ Mr. GarrettTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many consultancies were invited by HMSO to tender for the investigation of its bad debts with the public authorities of Uzbekistan. [29087]
§ Mr. FreemanEarlier this year I asked Binder Hamlyn to undertake an urgent investigation of matters surrounding HMSO's trade with Uzbekistan. Binder Hamlyn was already acting as reporting accountant for the HMSO privatisation, and so had an unrivalled knowledge of the business. No wider tendering procedure was necessary or, given the urgency of the situation, desirable.
§ Mr. GarrettTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much in fees was paid to Mr. Paul Howell by HMSO for his study of its bad debt in Uzbekistan. [29088]
§ Mr. FreemanMr. Howell was engaged by HMSO to assist in progressing its trade in Uzbekistan. It is normal policy not to disclose the terms of individual consultancy appointments for reasons of commercial confidentiality.