§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he intends to take to ensure that any market testing by his Department measures like with like and that there is a level playing field for such exercises.
§ Mr. NorrisThe White Paper "Competing for Quality", Cm 1730, introduced the concept of the in-house bid to market-testing. The Department is conducting extensive consultations to establish a sound framework within which market-testing exercises will be carried out. It is also ensuring that the experiences of other Departments inform the deliberations. Central Departments are also advising on common issues. Evaluation of bids when received will be carried out with the assistance of the Department's accountancy adviser. Attention to comparing like with like and ensuring a level playing field are central to the Department's procedures.