HC Deb 22 June 1993 vol 227 cc119-20W
Mr. Henderson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what steps he is taking to remedy the management and control weaknesses which have been identified by the investigation of his Department's internal audit and central inquiry unit into allegations of irregularities at BMSE contracting division;

(2) if he will name the contractor whose activities have given rise to concern to his Department's internal audit and central inquiry unit during its investigation into allegations of irregularities at BMSE contracting division;

(3) if he will place in the Library a copy of the findings of his Department's internal audit and central inquiry unit's investigation into allegations of financial irregularities in the BMSE contracting division.

Mr. Curry

The following steps have been taken to remedy the management and control weaknesses identified by the internal audit and central inquiry unit investigations:

  • an experienced civil service senior manager was brought in to take overall charge of Building Management South East contracting division while a detailed recovery plan was prepared
  • the contracts of two members of staff have not been renewed
  • a new financial controller has been appointed
  • a management action plan has been agreed and implementation of it is being monitored by the BMSE board

I do not propose to name the contractor whose activities have given rise to concern, as investigations into the case continue.

It is not customary to place copies of internal audit and central inquiry unit reports in the Library. They are available to the staff of the Comptroller and Auditor General in the usual way.