To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what payments the Northern Lighthouse Board has made to Grayling Political Strategy in the last 12 months for which figures are available; for what purpose; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the contract under which such payments have been made. (305128)

In the 12 months to 31 October 2009, the Northern Lighthouse Board paid Grayling Political Strategy £30,606.74. The Northern Lighthouse Board has a contract with Grayling Political Strategy to provide parliamentary and media monitoring services to highlight issues directly or indirectly affecting the Board’s activities.

The contract between the Northern Lighthouse Board and Grayling Political Strategy is a private contract containing commercially sensitive information and therefore it would be inappropriate to place a copy of the contract in the Library.