HC Deb 03 December 1993 vol 233 cc754-5W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the response to date of advertisements placed in British and overseas journals in respect of bids to take over the financial management of the Government car service; what classified information on the location of classified bids was given in these advertisements; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

The market test relates to the routine book-keeping work provided for the Government car service—GCS—and the Interdespatch service—IDS. Financial management will remain the responsibility of the GCS and IDS management.

Eight firms responded to the advertisement placed in the European Journal for the market-tested work. No classified information was given in this advertisement. Two tenders have been received and are now being evaluated. The decision should be announced shortly.

Mr. Alan Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the annual cost to the Department of the car service for Ministers; and how many vehicles are involved.

Mr. Gummer

The annual cost to the Department of Environment for their Ministers' car service was estimated at £265,00 in 1992–93. Six cars are provided by the Government car service with drivers and full back-up service.

Mr. Alan Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the annual cost of the Government car service in each of the last three years; what was the comparable cost in 1979–80; how many vehicles form the Government car service; and what were the categories of cost in 1992–93.

Mr. Gummer

The current cost of the Government car service—GCS—for the last three financial years is:

£ million
1990–91 6.95
1991–92 6.99
1992–93 7.19

The 1990–91 figure includes an estimate for pension contributions that were paid centrally at that time. These contributions are included in the 1991–92 and 1992–93 figures.

Information on the comparable cost in 1979–80 is not available.

There are currently 190 vehicles in the Government car service fleet.

In 1992–93 approximately 75 per cent. of costs were staff and 15 per cent. were vehicle costs.