§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the financial benefits of compulsory competitive tendering.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryWe have no comprehensive information about the financial results of compulsory competitive tendering for local authority services. However, findings published by the Audit Commission and other bodies point clearly to the possibility of achieving substantial savings in the cost of providing services, which may be as high as 20 per cent.