§ Mr. GallieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to publish the results of his Department's research evaluating the effect of compulsory competitive tendering on Scottish local authorities.
§ Mr. StewartMy right hon. Friend has today published the report "Evaluation of Compulsory Competitive Tendering for Scottish Local Authority Services". The research examined a selection of case study services in a small sample of local authorities to determine the costs and results of providing certain services before and after CCT. The report identifies a number of savings and increased efficiency in the provision of these services after tendering.
Copies of the report have been placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate has been made of the number of awards of sequestration for each of the five years immediately following commencement of operation of the provision of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Bill, as amended; and whether he will take steps to ensure that access to the sequestration process is not restricted.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 17 November 1992]: The number of awards of sequestration in future years will be subject to a wide variety of factors, including the response of debtors and creditors to the legislation currently before Parliament. It is not, therefore, yet possible to estimate accurately the number of awards for the period requested.
The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Bill already provides for access to sequestration in appropriate circumstances, subject to certain necessary safeguards to balance the interests of debtors and creditors.