§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to replace compulsory competitive tendering with a duty on police authorities to obtain best value. [10867]
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§ Mr. MichaelThe Government are keen to involve the police service in the development of best value, and it will be open to police authorities to bid to be included in the pilot scheme to run best value projects announced today by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Local Government.
As part of our proposals to drive forward best value in the police service, we will encourage all police authorities, whether or not they are selected for pilot status, to co-operate in the development of best value by building on work already under way to promote value for money initiatives.
At the same time, my hon. Friend's proposals to modify the current compulsory competitive tendering regulations and guidance, also announced today, will form the basis of discussions between my officials and representatives of the police service and police authorities.