HC Deb 29 March 1993 vol 222 c91W
37. Mr. Richards

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will indicate the value of the central Government services that were market tested in the last two years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

About £25 million worth of central Government services were market tested in each of the last four years. In 1993–94, there are plans to market test activities worth £1.5 billion.

This fiftyfold increase in market testing between these years is good news for the taxpayer, because it leads to real savings, allowing the Government to deliver more, at no extra cost.