HC Deb 10 November 2003 vol 413 c33W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much(a) HM Treasury, (b) Customs and Excise and (c) the Inland Revenue spent on (i) advisers and (ii) consultants in the last financial year; and if he will make a statement. [134223]

Ruth Kelly

HM Treasury expenditure in 2002–03 on consultants was £2.8 million (excluding VAT). Inland Revenue had in place four framework agreements, through which it obtained a range of advisory and consultancy services including on IT, human resources, market research, social and economic research, and learning services. Departmental spend on these services for 2002–03 was in the region of £35 million (excluding VAT). Customs and Excise expenditure for consultants and advisors was £29.3 million (excluding VAT).