§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 304W, on Procure 21, if he will list the pilot areas for the NHS procurement initiative Procure 21; and what the minimum financial level will be of the contract which will be awarded in relation to NHS Procure 21. [46322]
§ Mr. HuttonProcure 21 comprises programmes to improve the performance of the NHS as a client of the construction industry, to improve design, and to introduce partnering frameworks. "Best Client" and design initiatives apply nationally. Partnering frameworks are being piloted in the North West and West Midlands regions of the NHS. The minimum financial value of contracts that will be awarded under NHS Procure 21 will be £1 million (this is the works cost as defined in the NHS Capital Investment Manual). This information was detailed in the Contract Notices placed in the Supplement to the European Journal in April 2001 (refs Works Contracts (Publicly Funded Schemes) 2001/S 71-048469, Services Contracts (PFI/PPP Schemes) 2001/S 71-048708).
§ Dr. Evan HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when a decision was made after the pilot scheme on the best use of a Government procurement card in his Department. [45721]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 25 March 2002]: On 7 April 2000, it was decided that use of the Government procurement card should be made available to any units across the Department who can justify its issue in terms of the transactions they undertake.