§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what contracts his Department and his agencies have with Serco Ltd.; what is the current cost; when each contract ends; what are the penalties involved should he seek early termination of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [26689]
§ Mr. HagueThe only current contract between Serco Ltd. and my Department—including the Cadw agency—relates to the M4, south Wales, communications emergency telephone systems. It was awarded in February 1995 at a cost of £384,368, and the expected completion date is August 1996. I am able to seek early termination of the contract only in the event of default by Serco Ltd.,492W in which case I would arrange for the outstanding work to be completed by another contractor following normal tendering procedures, and seek recovery from Serco Ltd. of any excess cost incurred as a result.