Decision Makers Ltd.

EDM number 1703 in 1993-94, proposed by DN Campbell-Savours on 02/11/1994.

That this House notes the recent resignation of Dame Angela Rumbold, as executive director of Decision Makers Ltd; notes that Decision Makers' listed clients include Dartford, Swale and Sevenoaks councils; notes that the honourable Member for Workington wrote to these councils, 8th August, requesting details of services purchased from Decision Makers and the price paid; notes that the Chief Executive of Dartford Borough Council, Mr Shepherd, revealed, 17th August, that 'The financial cost to this Council for last year was ú10,112 and up to July this year the cost was ú6,800'; notes the Financial Director of Swale, R. S. Collard, revealed, 16th August, that 'Decision Makers Ltd were appointed at the beginning of 1994 to provide specialised public relations services in respect of all major local, regional and national projects affecting the Borough. The contract provides for a fee of ú2,000 per month, plus expenses, and up to July 1994 has amounted to ú13,733'; notes that the Chief Executive of Sevenoaks District Council, Mr Cova, would not reveal the sums involved but replied, 16th August, that 'This Council has retained Decision Makers on a monthly retainer basis for some considerable time now, particularly in respect of High Speed Rail Link and freight issues, and they have been very successful in ensuring us and helping to get our case across to Ministers'; and questions why these councils are using many thousands of pounds of council tax payers' money to pay a lobbying firm to carry out many functions that should properly be carried out by their Conservative Members of Parliament without charge.

This motion has been signed by a total of 1 MPs.