§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what action has been taken following the discovery of the overspend by the Highways Agency; and how many civil servants have been disciplined; [1037]
(2) what discussions have been held with the Highways Agency about the recovery of the overspend on financial consultants; [1036]
(3) when he will answer the question on the Highways Agency tabled for answer on 26 June 2001 by the Member for Crewe and Nantwich. [5675]
§ Mr. SpellarIn its reply to the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee's Seventh Report, the Government concluded that progress on the introduction of resource accounting in the Highways Agency was slower than expected and that there were shortcomings in both the procurement of consultancy support and the management of the project. The costs of implementing resource accounting in the agency reflect the agency's large and complex asset base valued at some £60 billion, and its annual capital and revenue budget of approximately £1.5 billion. The agency has dealt with the concerns raised and put in place robust systems and procedures for the future management of its contracts. Financial recovery was not an appropriate response. Appropriate managerial action was taken with the civil servant concerned.