asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which department commissioned Praesta to review the effectiveness and cost of Ministers and their private offices, as described on the Praesta—Leaders in Executive Coaching website; what was the cost of the review; whether a report covering the political implications of a change in the number of Ministers in the team represents an appropriate use of public money; and whether they will place a copy of the report in the Library of the House.[HL7273]

In July 2004, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office asked the Change Partnership, which was then part of Whitbread Mann, to review the working of our ministerial offices and their staffing. Since then, most of those who worked for the Change Partnership have moved to Praesta Partners.

On the other points raised, I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given in another place by my right honourable friend the then Foreign Secretary (Mr Jack Straw) on 7 March (Official Report, House of Commons, 7/3/06; cols. 1344-45W).