§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of the tendering arrangements and controls employed by his Department for advertising campaigns; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 10 December 1993]: A review of the Scottish Office advertising contract is held every three years. The last review was held in Febuary this year. Advertisements inviting agencies to tender for the work were placed in Scottish national daily newspapers and in the trade journal Campaign.
Appointment was made following a three-stage selection appraisal of creativity, strategy planning and value for money. The judging panel comprised representatives from the Scottish Office information directorate, The Scottish Office purchase and supply unit, and the director of advertising, Central Office of Information.
Assessment of the performance of the agencies through campaign evaluation is undertaken throughout the year. An audit of television airtime buying is currently being carried out by an independent consultant. Agencies are appointed on a renewable annual contract.