§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 8 February,Official Report, column 320, relating to the appointment of Capita Manager Services Ltd. as contractors for the management of phase 1 of the voucher scheme for early years education, what was the number of tenders received; and what were the criteria, other than tender price, used in the appointment. [15346]
§ Mr. Robin SquireThree tenders were received. The principal criteria, other than tender price, used to award the contract were: the quality of proposals for issuing and redeeming vouchers; the strength of proposals to ensure security and control; and the ability to comply with the timetable for phase one.
§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to the answer given on 8 FebruaryOfficial Report, column 320, concerning the statutory basis for the appointment of Capita Manager Services Ltd., at what dates in the contract the first advances on payments are due; and on what dates thereafter. [15345]
§ Mr. SquirePayments were made on 11 December and 20 December 1995 to meet the initial costs of equipment and materials required for the issuing and redemption of nursery vouchers. The remainder of the contract cost will be paid in monthly instalments. These started in December 1995.