§ Mr. TraceyTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make an announcement on the progress of the sale of Chessington Computer Centre. [29813]
§ Mr. FreemanI told the House on 17 October last year that it was the Government's intention to sell Chessington Computer Centre as a single viable business in a way which would ensure that it retained its reputation for the provision of high-quality services to Government Departments and the wider public sector while allowing it to benefit from the freedom and opportunities for attracting new customers to be gained outside the constraints of operating within government.
A large number of expressions of interest were received following the advertisement of the sale in December last year. These have subsequently been reduced through pre-qualification and indicative bid procedures. A final shortlist of three has now been selected. Those being invited to submit final bids are:
- The Capita Group
- CMG Computer Management Group
- The Management Employee buy-out team in partnership with Integris UK.
I believe that this shortlist will lead to final bids which maximise the prospects of securing good long-term value for money for the Government and taxpayer while meeting the objectives set for the sale of the business.