HC Deb 01 March 2004 vol 418 c652W
Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost was of the advertisement for a policy adviser (non-executive chairman designate) for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. [156973]

Mr. Timms

[holding answer 27 February 2004]: The cost of the advertising in The Sunday Times, Glasgow Herald and The Scotsman for a policy adviser to the Department, who subject to the successful passage of the Energy Bill will be appointed as Chair of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority on Royal Assent, was £20,400. The appointment details were also placed on the Cabinet Office's Public Appointments website.

Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what fee is being paid to Whitehead Mann in connection with the recruitment of a policy adviser (non-executive chairman designate) for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority; when this fee will be paid; and if she will make a statement. [156974]

Mr. Timms

[holding answer 27 February 2004]: The Department asked the recruitment consultants Whitehead Mann, following a competitive tender, to undertake a recruitment campaign for the post of policy adviser to the Department. He/she will advise on the preparations for the establishment of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Subject to the successful passage of the Energy Bill, it is anticipated that the policy adviser will then become the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Chair. The company's fee for undertaking the recruitment campaign is scheduled to be paid in accordance with Cabinet Office's framework agreement with the company and fees will be charged in 0, 30, and 60 days. The charge to my Department to date has been £17,635 including VAT.