HC Deb 04 February 1993 vol 218 cc284-5W
Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated cost of redundancy payments to persons employed in the prison department supply and transport branch as a result of the recent market testing exercise.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The cost of redundancy payments for all of the staff employed in the prison department warehousing and distribution function is estimated at £850,000.

Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of the consultancy study undertaken by Deloitte Haskins and Sells in 1989 into the warehousing and distribution service in his Department.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The details of costs of individual contracts between Government and contractors are regarded as commercial-in-confidence.

Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the full cost to date of the market testing exercise in respect of supply and transport at his Department.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Those involved in this market testing exercise have carried out the work required as part of their normal job functions. Detailed records of the amount of time spent by individuals on this particular aspect of their jobs have not been recorded and there would be a disproportionate cost involved in obtaining these details.