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Public Accounts

Mr. Hands: The Exchequer Secretary has mentioned 31 per cent. twice. Does that represent a decrease from a recent high or a decline over the course of the Government’s tenure? Expenditure on consultants has dramatically increased since 1997. [Official Report, 12 March 2009, Vol. 489, c. 520.] Letter of correction from Angela Eagle: An error has been identified in the original answer given to the hon. Member for Hammersmith and Fulham (Mr. Hands) on 12 March 2009. The original answer stated: ““The figure relates to the last Public Accounts Committee and National Audit Office report on the matter, which was published in 2001-02. I make that clear so that hon. Members are not under the wrong impression.”” I should have said and intended to say: Angela Eagle: The information was contained in a letter dated 11 March 2009 from the Chief Executive of the Office of Government Commerce to the hon. Member for Gainsborough. The reduction of consultancy spend of 31 per cent. was between 2005-06 and 2007-08. I make that clear so that hon. Members are not under the wrong impression.