Written question asked by Michael Moore (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 21 February 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 February 2008. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Friday, 29 February 2008 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Actis

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much was spent on (a) internal and (b) external (i) advisers and (ii) consultants for services in relation to the sale of Actis; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: DFID spent £14,651 on internal advisers and £2,708,362 on consultants in relation to the establishment and sale of Actis. However, part of this amount was spent on consultants who worked on the overall reorganisation of CDC which included, but went beyond the establishment of, the Actis Partnership. We are not able to disaggregate those costs that relate only to the establishment and sale of the Actis Partnership.The restructuring was a complex process that required expert advice on a range of issues. It is entirely normal for Government Departments to seek and use outside expertise when dealing with these issues.

Secondary information