To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his on policy is on the recruitment of management consultants. (105515)

The Department for Education and Skills, like any other organisation, uses consultants and other specialists where the need arises, particularly when we do not possess the required background skills and experience in-house. Officials are clear about: the importance of using consultants only where there is a proper business case for doing so; the importance of securing effective consultancy outcomes and good value for money; the need to secure skills transfer whenever appropriate; and the need to regularly review the duration and effectiveness of consultancy assignments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on how many occasions (a) he and (b) other departmental Ministers have met management consultants in the last 12 months. (105516)

This question could be answered only at disproportionate cost.