HC Deb 02 March 1992 vol 205 cc27-8W
Mr. Dunn

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in implementing the Government's purchasing initiative since 1989–90.

Mr. Maude

A report by the central unit on purchasing (CUP) on progress in Government purchasing during 1990–91 is published today. This will be the last report from CUP; following the publication of the Government's White Paper "Competing for Quality" Cm 1730, a new public competition and purchasing unit (PCPU), based in the Treasury, has been established to promote the Government's programme as part of the citizens charter initiative for extending competition in the provisions of public services as well as subsuming CUP's other work.

The report records the high level of activity and considerable progress in Government purchasing in 1990–91. The main features include: in 1990–91 Departments achieved value for money savings of £153 million exceeding their target by some £36 million. For 1991–92 Departments have set themselves a target of 3.4 per cent; since 1985–86 Departments have achieved savings in excess of £1.5 billion; further strengthening of purchasing as a professional specialism in central Government; a core specification for purchasing information systems for all Government Departments; in the construction field, a database was established in 1990–91 which will offer departments a better system for tracking performance, so that projects can he properly managed within time and cost parameters.

The report also records progress on other areas of the purchasing initiative and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House.

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