HC Deb 20 March 1997 vol 292 c870W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total amount paid to consultants for the tri-service resettlement organisation in the last two years; what firms have been employed to provide this consultancy advice; what is this year's budget for the tri-service resettlement organisation; how much of the organisation's New Oxford street headquarters is currently unoccupied; what is the annual rental cost for the New Oxford street site; and if he will make a statement. [21142]

Mr. Soames

Some £1.01 million—excluding VAT— has been paid for consultancy advice to the tri-service resettlement organisation in the last two financial years: £0.658 million to Marshall Tanous plc for corporate marketing advice and services aimed at generating awareness of service leavers' potential amongst employers; and £0.353 million to the PA Consulting Group for assistance with the competing for quality initiative to improve the long-term value for money of resettlement services. Figures relating to the TSRO's annual budget are restricted pending the outcome of negotiations in the current tendering exercise associated with the CFQ study. The TSRO HQ, located in St. George's court, New Oxford street, is a building occupied by a number of MOD units. The TSRO currently occupies all its allocated space. The building is in the process of vacation by the Department and the TSRO will shortly be moving to alternative accommodation at St. Giles court. The rental cost of St. George's court is commercial-in-confidence, but is at low historic lease levels.