§ Mr. Sean HughesTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any progress has been made in implementing the recommendation in paragraph 34(c) in "Using Private Enterprise in Government", on pooling information about contractors between Departments and inviting certain Departments to take responsibility for compiling data about the performance of contractors in certain industries.
§ Mr. BrookeThe central unit on purchasing maintains a data base of activities subjected to competitive tendering in Departments. This information is distributed annually to all Departments so that those contemplating market testing a particular activity can benefit from the experience of others who have already tested that activity. The CUP has also issued general guidance to Departments, which includes advice on contractor appraisal.