§ Mrs. Helen ClarkTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how the planning inspectorate has ensured that value for money was achieved when employing external consultants; and who was responsible for making such value for money assessments. [170045]
§ Keith HillThe Planning Inspectorate follows standard Government purchasing procedures including best practice guidance issued by the Office of 333W Government Commerce from time to time. Particular care is taken to achieve value for money in the procurement of external consultancy which is always handled by the Agency's specialist procurement unit.