§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total cost of consultants' reports commissioned by his Department since 1 April 1995; and 311W if he will summarise the identifiable savings achieved as a result of implementing the recommendations of reports. [19515]
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 10 March 1997]The total cost of management consultancy work commissioned by the Scottish Office for the period 1 April 1995 to 31 March 1996 was £5,440,000. Information for the current financial year is not yet available.
In 1995–96 some 150 consultancy contracts were led by the Scottish Office. Given the wide range of responsibilities and activities of the Scottish Office, the consultancy projects related to many different areas of business.
The Scottish Office follows the guidance given in the August 1994 report of the Cabinet Office efficiency scrutiny on the use of external consultants. External consultants are engaged only when internal resources are not available, best procurement practices are followed to ensure that value for money is obtained, and all consultancy assignments are subjected to post-contract reviews. Not all consultancy projects lend themselves to analysis in terms of savings, but I am satisfied that the intelligent and selective use of consultants has consistently delivered worthwhile solutions and benefits for the Scottish Office in recent years.