asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the full cost of the use of consultants in the District Works Office. Westminster; how many consultants have been employed; and what is the comparable cost of using Property Services Agency staff.

[pursuant to his reply, 18 February 1987]: Five firms of quantity surveying consultants are now employed measuring term contract works in support of Westminster District Works Office at a total cost of £32,000 in a full year. There is little difference between the cost of providing these quantity surveying services in-house and by consultants.