§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) at what stage the unit general manager at Glasgow royal infirmary became aware that Greater Glasgow health board had awarded cleaning and portering contracts to Executive Healthcare; and whether his advice was sought on that company's suitability to be invited to tender;
(2) if he will investigate the contract evaluation methods carried out by Greater Glasgow health board, to determine whether they meet ministerial guidelines;
(3) if he will conduct an investigation into the practices of the commercial section of Greater Glasgow health board;
(4) on what criteria firms were chosen to be invited to tender for cleaning and portering services at the Glasgow royal infirmary.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 28 March 1994]: The unit general manager was a member of the evaluation panel for the tenders and was involved in the advice to Greater Glasgow health board in reaching its decision to award the contract.
My noble and learned Friend has been assured by the health board that the evaluation was carried out in accordance with the central guidance issued and the board's standing instructions. It is for the board's auditors to investigate any non-compliance with procedures and standing instructions.
In line with EC procurement regulations, advertisements were placed in the national press and European Journal. Technical and financial checks were undertaken on the companies that responded to the advertisements.
712WThe checks included the taking up of bank and trade references. Only those companies that satisfied the checks were placed on the tender list.