HC Deb 27 February 1996 vol 272 c434W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the postponement of the decision on the future of the Insolvency Service. [16272]

Mr. Oppenheim

The planned announcement of the outcome of the contracting out exercise undertaken by the Insolvency Service was postponed to enable further discussions to be held with bidders appearing to offer the best prospect of value for money.

Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the running costs of the Insolvency Service for the year ended 31 January identifying the costs of(a) staff, (b) leases and office rentals, (c) stationery and office equipment and (d) other support services. [17465]

Mr. Oppenheim

The Insolvency Service year end is 31 March. Its running cost budget for the year to 31 March 1996 is £54,984,000, of which total pay costs are £36,689,000, accommodation costs £10,754,000, stationery and office machinery £825,000 and other running costs £6,716,000.