§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the estimated level of saving to the Department is from the use of market testing in 2002–03. [107772]
§ Alun MichaelDepartments are no longer required to undertake a programme of market testing. Defra's focus is on improved delivery of services by ensuring that high quality public services are delivered on the basis of value for money in line with the Better Quality Services ethos as set out in the following extract from the Treasury publication, Public Private Partnerships, The Government's Approach: (http://www.hm-treasury.gov. uk/media//C23A9/PPP2QOQ.pdf)
Better Quality ServicesThe focus of Better Quality Services (BQS) is on improving what is delivered, rather than taking a dogmatic line about whether this is best achieved through private, public or partnership solutions. BQS is a comprehensive programme across central Government. It covers all activities in the departments and its agencies and executive NDPBs, with all services and activities, including policy and headquarters functions, are reviewed over a five year period.