asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether his Department has employed "headhunters" in the last 12 months for recruitment to jobs that are within his control; if so, what fees have been paid to the "headhunters"; for what jobs they have sought applicants; and how many jobs they have filled.

One executive search consultancy company has been engaged by the Department of Trade in the last 12 months to assist in selecting candidates for the post of chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority. It would not be in accordance with the usual practice to disclose the fees paid to an individual company. An appointment will be made in due course.