§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much was spent by(a) his Department and (b) the Environment Agency on headhunters in the process of finding a new Chairman for the Environment Agency. [105287]
§ Mr. MeacherThe appointment of a new Chairman for the Environment Agency is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, who has met all costs involved.
Recruitment consultants were employed to assist in finding a new Chairman. Headhunting was only a part of their duties and is not separately identifiable. The total cost of their work, including expenses, was £26,402.26 plus VAT. Advertisements were placed in the national press at an additional cost of £5,569 plus VAT.