§ Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the estimated total savings from market testing for local authorities in 1995–96; and how much this amounts to for the average D band council tax payer. [33939]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordEstimated savings from work subject to compulsory competitive tendering amount to £160 million in 1995–96, equivalent to about £10 off the average D band council tax. Individual authorities that have embraced the spirit of competition have made significantly higher savings and have improved standards.