§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what response he has made to the conclusion of the report of the Business Services Association in respect of voluntary contracting out, a copy of which has been sent to him. [31975]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Secretary of State agrees with the Business Services Association that many local authorities have failed to secure for their electorates and taxpayers the benefits of private sector provision of public sector services. Voluntary contracting out is one way of securing such benefits. It is pleasing to note that the director general of the Business Services Association has welcomed our proposals for changes to the framework for compulsory competitive tendering of professional services, which we announced on 21 May.
160W