Consulting group CapGemini was paid £14.2m out of a total of £17.5m paid to private management consultants to set up the National Health Service’s troubled NHS 24 helpline, the Scotsman claimed.

An investigation by the paper also revealed that a senior NHS 24 employee allegedly failed to register personal interests in CapGemini.

Furthermore, a report by Audit Scotland, also obtained by this newspaper, found that NHS 24 chiefs failed to monitor payments to consultancy firms or to ensure they were getting value for money.

According to Audit Scotland, one project undertaken by CapGemini was, in its view, unnecessary.

The report goes on to say: ‘NHS 24 makes substantial use of consultancy services. And, as a developing, technology-based organisation, much of this use was clearly appropriate. However, the pattern of repeated contract variation and extension which occurred over the year suggests this option has been seen as a quick and convenient solution.’

The Scottish Executive defended the decision to award the contract to CapGemini saying the firm’s proposal ‘demonstrated value for money and was based on their reputation in advising on and building call centres throughout the world’.

CapGemini said there had been ‘absolutely’ no conflict of interest.