§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the cost to the Exchequer, broken down by category, of the process of insolvencies in each of the past seven years; and what has been the number of cases in each category for the same period.
§ Mr. AncramThe available information is set out in the table. A breakdown by category of the costs of processing insolvencies could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
against tenders from alternative providers and subsequently won by the private sector:
- Sludge Disposal—three tests
- Road Reinstatement
- Catering in Staff Restaurants—10 tests
- IT Mainframe Operation
- Sewer Maintenance—two tests
- Building Maintenance
- Castlenavan Quarry
In the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland, I would not wish to disclose the names of the successful contractors. We also consider that the disclosure of the tender prices could prejudice fair competition between contractors.