HC Deb 20 July 2004 vol 424 cc179-80W
Mr. Randall

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much her Department spent on(a) head-hunters and recruitment consultants and (b) management consultants in (i) 1996–97 and (ii) the latest year for which figures are available. [185376]

Ms Hewitt

In 2002–03, £0.9 million was spent on head-hunters and recruitment consultants and £19.4 million was spent on General Business consultants. Similar information for 1996–97 is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Randall

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost of running the Department's canteen facilities was in(a) 1996–97 and (b) the latest year for which figures are available. [185378]

Ms Hewitt

The information is as follows:

(a) In financial year 1996–97 the direct cost of running the Department's staff restaurant facilities in its main HQ buildings was about £325,000.

(b)Since June 2000, the Department's staff restaurant facilities have operated on a zero (nil) cash subsidy basis.