§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the bid by the private company awarded the contract for security at Somerset house was more expensive than the rival in-house bid; and what assessment he has made of the value for money achieved by the awarding of the contract.
§ Sir George YoungThe tendering process in this, as with any market test, sought best value for money and so considered not only price but also quality and ability to deliver. The decision was not made on cost alone. The contract commences on 1 March 1995, so it is too soon to evaluate delivery of the service.