To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what (a) consultancy and (b) other contracts his Department has had with KPMG since 1 May 1997; and if KPMG is a prospective candidate for future contracts his Department is intending to let. [81420]

[holding answer 19 April 1999]: Since 1 May 1997 my Department has utilised six contracts with KPMG for the provision of management consultancy, research consultancy and other specific consultancy (e.g. privatisation) services.KPMG will continue to be considered for future contracts let by my Department where they are capable of meeting the requirement and are likely to offer best value for money, alongside any other organisations which meet the same criteria.