§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to the answer of 9 March,Official Report, column 497, whether the contract for providing a bus service for staff travelling between Quarry House, Leeds, and Leeds city station was (a) advertised, (b) subject to competitive tendering and (c) awarded on the basis of the lowest tender; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe contract for the bus service between Quarry House, Leeds and Leeds city British Rail station was not advertised. In view of the need at the time to provide a bus service at short notice and the fact that limited hours of service were involved, five local omnibus operators were contacted and invited to tender for the contract. The tenders were carefully considered in accordance with departmental guidelines and the contract awarded to the company offering best value for money.