HL Deb 29 November 2004 vol 667 cc1-2WA
Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will provide a breakdown of the £45 million spent by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on externally provided professional services during the year 2003–04. [HL12]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)

As part of its preparations for and implementation of the Gershon value for money agenda in Defra, Pareto or expenditure distribution analysis of departmental expenditure on professional services is now being undertaken, and will be made available publicly in due course.

Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proportion of the £45 million spent by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on externally provided professional services during the year 2003–04 is attributable to expenditure on private sector consultancy. [HL13]

Lord Whitty

Expenditure on private sector consultancy is part of the department's expenditure on professional services. As part of its preparations for and implementation of the Gershon value for money agenda in Defra, Pareto or expenditure distribution analysis of departmental expenditure on professional services is being undertaken now. The analysis will define expenditure on private sector consultancy as a proportion of departmental expenditure on professional services.

Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will give an estimate of the proportion of the annual Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs budget which was spent on external and private sector consultancies during the year 2003–04. [HL15]

Lord Whitty

Expenditure on external and private sector consultancies is part of the department's expenditure on professional services. As part of its preparations for and implementation of the Gershon value for money agenda in Defra, Pareto or expenditure distribution analysis of departmental expenditure on professional services is now being undertaken currently. The analysis will define expenditure on external and private sector consultancies.