HC Deb 09 June 1995 vol 261 cc343-4W
Mr. Byers

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to take a decision on the size and location of the Insolvency Service as a result of the contracting-out process; what is the proposed contracting-out timetable for the functions of the official receiver; and when he expects to publish the draft contract specifications. [27544]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

The final decision as to whether contracting out will proceed will be taken following receipt of formal bids in mid-November. Any contracts will be awarded by the end of December and will be fully operational by 1 April 1996. Decisions in relation to the size and location of the Insolvency Service will be made in the light of conclusions on contracting out.

The draft contract specification will be made available to selected potential bidders on 15 June 1995.

Mr. Byers

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish the views of the official receiver on the draft specifications for the privatisation of the Insolvency Service. [27546]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

There are no plans to publish the views of the official receivers on the draft specification. Their views have been sought and taken into account by the consultants, Shreeveport Management Consulting, in preparing the specification which will be issued to selected potential bidders.