To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many temporary employees were contracted to work for his Department in 2005-06; and what the total cost of such employees was in (a) 2005-06 and (b) 1997-98. (106701)

In 2005-06 the Department spent £863,833 on temporary workers.

The number of temporary workers contracted by the Treasury is not recorded centrally, and the costs for 1997-98 are not available due to a change in finance system.

This information could therefore be provided only at disproportionate cost.