To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 18 June 2007, Official Report, column 1495W, to the hon. Member for Rayleigh (Mr. Francois) on departmental expenditure, what discussions his Department had with Brian Pomeroy before commissioning Opinion Leader Research. (147927)

Mr. Pomeroy and Treasury Ministers discussed the review of Christmas saving schemes and agreed terms of reference. Mr. Pomeroy recommended to the Treasury that qualitative research be conducted to inform consideration of these questions. The Treasury awarded the contract for this work following an appropriate competitive exercise, in line with Government procurement rules.