§ Mr. BatisteTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport which professional services within his Department have been subjected to market testing within the last 12 months and with what result; and which will be subjected to market testing within the next 12 months.
§ Mr. NorrisThe details of the Department's market testing programme were published in the citizens charter —first report 1992. This programme is being carried forward by the Department and tendering is to commence shortly within the programme's current timetable.
The programme for the 12 months commencing in September 1993 will be announced within the time scales established with the Office of Public Services and Science; this is in common with other Departments.
The current market testing programme does not draw a distinction between professional services or otherwise.