§ 1. Mr. Rhodri MorganTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the conditions relating to sub-standard performance by a private company carrying out work subsequent to market-testing which could lead to termination of its contract. [4927]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service (Mr. Peter Kilfoyle)Contracts with private companies should set out, among other things, the agreed standards of performance and the action to be taken if those standards are not achieved. Although general guidance is available, the precise conditions in each case will depend on the particular services to be provided and the expectations of the public body issuing the contract.
§ Mr. MorganI am sure that the Minister is aware that yesterday, Capita completed the first year of its three-year contract running the telephone inquiry service at Companies House in Cardiff. Is he also aware that for much of that first year Capita was operating at below 30 per cent. of the agreed standard of answering the telephone within the first six rings? In the light of that, will he agree to review the contract in its entirety?
§ Mr. KilfoyleI am sure that my hon. Friend will appreciate that that is primarily a matter for the President of the Board of Trade. I am sure that he will take the matter up with her, and I also undertake to do so.