To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many companies submitted tenders for the contract to be special marketing and public relations adviser to him won by Lowe Bell.

Three firms were invited to submit tenders in respect of the appointment of a special marketing and PR adviser for the Secretary of State. One of the firms declined to participate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many companies submitted tenders for the marketing and public relations advisers contract with his Department and the electricity supply industry won by Dewe Rogerson.

Three firms were invited to submit tenders in respect of the joint appointment of a marketing and PR adviser for the Government and the electricity supply industry. One of the firms declined to participate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will place in the Library a copy of his contract with Lowe Bell Communications as special marketing and promotional advisers.

Detailed information concerning contracts with individual advisers is commercially confidential.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the target objectives laid down in his contract with Lowe Bell Communications as special marketing and promotional advisers.

Lowe Bell Communications will provide independent marketing and public relations advice to the Department of Energy as required in respect of electricity privatisation. Detailed information concerning contracts with individual advisers is commercially confidential.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the target objectives set down in the contract with Dewe Rogerson as marketing and public relations advisers to his Department and the electricity supply industry.

The Secretary of State for Energy and the electricity supply industry (ESI) have jointly appointed Dewe Rogerson to be marketing and public relations advisers for the privatisation of the ESI in England and Wales. Dewe Rogerson will be responsible for the development of the marketing strategy and will undertake specific marketing and public relations tasks, as required. Detailed information concerning contracts with individual advisers is commercially confidential.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what will be the distinct roles of Lowe Bell and Dewe Rogerson in providing him with special marketing and marketing advice, respectively; and if he will make a statement.

Dewe Rogerson as a joint appointment will provide marketing and public relations advice to both the Department of Energy and the electricity supply industry. Lowe Bell Communications will provide marketing and public relations advice solely to the Department of Energy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will place in the Library a copy of the contract for marketing and public relations advice between Dewe Rogerson and his Department and the electricity supply industry.

Detailed information concerning contracts with individual advisers is commercially confidential.