HC Deb 23 July 1987 vol 120 cc386-7W
Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what new arrangments his Department has made or intends to make for the allocation of contracts for furniture removals for Army families; and if he is satisfied that there has been adequate consultation with the firms which have previously carried out this work.

Mr. Freeman

Until recently the great majority of service removals have been arranged using the "three tender system", under which the service man hirnself obtained three quotations and the Department refunded to him the amount of the lowest tender. This system has, however, been criticised in the past as being potentially open to abuse, and as placing an undue burden on public funds.

Following a review and the experience of suitable trials, it was recently decided that, save in exceptional circumstances, all removals for Army personnel should be conducted under centrally placed contract arrangements. Contracts have been introduced progressively throughout the country for all Army removals, and the other two services will be adopting similar procedures shortly.

The removal industry has been aware of these developments and several meetings have been held with the British Association of Removers. Any removal company interested in this work can apply to tender as contracts are let or renewed, although it may be necessary to restrict the number of companies actually invited to tender in any particular round.