§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what stage the market-testing process has reached in the DSS offices in Ayrshire; when he expects contracts to be awarded for these services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BurtThe market testing process in the DSS offices in Ayrshire is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
903WLetter from M.Bichard to Mr. Brian Donohoe, dated 20 January 1994:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking about the progress of the market testing exercise in DSS offices in Ayrshire.The Benefits Agency is market testing accommodation and office services and management training services to all the Agency's offices in Scotland. Tenders for the provision of management training have been received and a contract will be awarded in the near future. Invitations to tender for messenger and security services have been issued and a contract is expected to be awarded in March. Invitations to tender for typing and telephonist services are expected to be issued in about six months time and a contract awarded about two months later.I hope that my reply has been helpful.