To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals have been seconded to his Department from the private sector, in each case listing (a) from which organisation and (b) dates of secondments in (i) 2001–02 and (ii) 2002–03. [108099]

Secondments are part of the Interchange initiative, which promotes the exchange of people and good practice between the Civil Service and other organisations. All sectors of the economy are involved: Voluntary, Education, Health, Public and Private. Interchange provides opportunities for civil servants to learn new skills, widen their experience and develop ideas. It also brings in skills and experiences from other sectorsDetails of staff seconded from the private sector to the Home Department are listed in the table. Data for 2002–03 is provisional. Final figures will be available later in the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals have been seconded to his Department from NGOs in each case listing (a) from which organisation and (b) dates of secondments in each year since 1997–98.[108100]

Secondments are part of the Interchange initiative, which promotes the exchange of people and good practice between the Civil Service and other organisations. All sectors of the economy are involved. Voluntary, Education, Health, Public and Private. Interchange provides opportunities for civil servants to learn new skills, widen their experience and develop ideas. It also brings in skills and experiences from other sectors.Full details of organisations and dates are not held centrally. Available data on inward secondments is listed in the table. Data for 2002–03 is not yet available.