§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what agreements his Department and its executive agencies have with companies for the provision of mobile 613W and car phones; and if he will list the companies having these contracts, the duration of the contracts, the number of phones covered by each agreement and the cost to public funds of each agreement. [9740]
§ Mrs. Angela Knight[holding answer 17 January 1996]: Due to the very low demand for mobile and car phones within HM Treasury, the office of the Paymaster General and the Royal Mint, they have been purchased as required.
The Central Statistical Office employs an enabling agreement with BT which is renewable annually. This does not involve a commitment to purchase an agreed total. Two car phones have been purchased in the current financial year at a cost of £400 per instrument.
The Valuation Office uses Inland Revenue procedures to obtain mobile and car phones. Current agreements are with DVH, FGE, BT and Vodafone. These agreements are short term and are based on best value for money, without a commitment to purchase any specific number of instruments.
Information concerning the cost to public funds of these agreements is currently unavailable.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what costs his Department and executive agencies have incurred as a result of withdrawing from contracts under which mobile phones are provided; and if he will list the companies concerned. [9742]
§ Mrs. Knight[holding answer 17 January 1996]: HM Treasury, the office of HM Paymaster General, the Central Statistical Office, the Royal Mint and the Valuation Office have not withdrawn from any such contracts.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what procedures were used by his Department in awarding contracts for the supply of mobile and car phones to his Department and its executive agencies; and which companies were involved in tendering for these contracts. [9741]
§ Mrs. Knight[holding answer 17 January 1996]: Due to the very low demand for mobile and car phones within HM Treasury, the office of the Paymaster General and the Royal Mint there has been no need to initiate a formal tender.
The Central Statistical Office employs an enabling agreement which was concluded after an informal evaluation of the market based on functionality, service and price.
The Valuation Office uses Inland Revenue procedures.