§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he, or any of his Ministers or officials have had with Focsa Services (UK) Ltd. regarding compliance by councils with the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Department has had no discussions with Focsa Services (UK) Ltd. regarding compliance by councils with the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the total value of compulsory competitive tendering contracts in England and Wales awarded to Focsa Services (UK) Ltd.; how many jobs this represents; what examination he has undertaken of the financial stability of this company; what representations he has received regarding the contracts awarded; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryMy right hon. Friend does not require local authorities to inform him to whom CCT contracts are awarded, unless such information is requested in connection with his responsibility for investigating potential breaches of the CCT legislation. The Department does not therefore maintain a comprehensive record of either the number or the value of CCT contracts awarded to specific private sector contractors.
It is for local authorities to assess the financial and technical suitability of potential contractors, and then once a contract is awarded, to monitor the performance of contractors. Where a contractor fails to meet the conditions of a contract, an authority may terminate such a contract, but there are no requirements for my right hon. Friend to be informed.