§ Mr. DevlinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what value for money savings have been achieved by his Department in the last year; and how much of this was as a result of advice from the central unit on purchasing.
§ Mr. ForthFigures for last year (FY 1989–90) are not yet available. The saving achieved in FY 1988–89. on a spend of £133.8 million, was £13.92 million, or 10.4 per cent. against the set target of 5 per cent.
In general, it is not possible to attribute particular value for money savings to advice from the central unit on purchasing. The role of the unit is to provide advice and guidance on best purchasing practice; it provides overall support and guidance and encourages value for money across all Departments.