To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission pursuant to the answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs. Spelman), of 7 October 2008, Official Report, column 547W, on political parties: finance, what the name of the public sector consultant commissioned to provide public sector auditor advice is; and what the cost of this contract is. (232936)

The Electoral Commission informs me that it has engaged the temporary services of Mr. Peter Norris, a professionally qualified auditor, through a recruitment agency to provide public sector auditor advice two days per week within its party and election finance directorate. This role is paid pro rota at pay level 1 which for London based staff ranges from £59,045-£74,997.

The Electoral Commission further informs me that it has recently contracted with PricewaterhouseCoopers to provide assistance with developing standard requirements and guidance on the completion of statements of accounts. The value of this contract is approximately £26,000.