HL Deb 12 July 2002 vol 637 cc114-6WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the cost of external public relations and consultancy contracts entered into by Government departments for each of the years 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01; and what is their estimated cost for the current financial year. [HL3039]

The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

This information is not held centrally. In November 1999 the Treasury published a Statement of Best Practice on the use of consultants in government. This represents a set of principles that should apply to many areas of consultancy but is not binding on departments and has no status in law.