HC Deb 22 June 1994 vol 245 cc227-8W
Mr. Fatchett

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those activities within his Department which have been, or are subject to market testing; those activities which have been awarded to private contractors; those cases in which external consultants have been employed and the total cost of consultancy fees in relation to market testing.

Mr. Eggar

A full list of activities subject to market testing in 1992–93 and 1993–94 was published in the citizens charter first and second reports, Cm. 2101 and Cm. 2540 respectively. To date, the private sector has been awarded contracts within the following areas: the offshore geology programme, office and support services, and training. External consultants have been employed to support market testing of the activities listed in the reports with the exception of oil and gas royalties, ship radio licensing, outward missions and staff counselling. To date the total cost of consultancy fees for market testing has been £2.5 million.