§ Mr. CashTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what competitive tendering procedures were applied in relation to the construction work for the new British Embassy in Berlin; and if he will list those companies which tendered. [49135]
§ Mr. FatchettThe competition for the PFI contract for the new British Embassy was conducted in accordance with EC rules and advertised in OJEC, theOfficial Journal of the European Communities. The advertisement prompted interest from 27 companies.
In accordance with PFI guidelines, a shortlist of 3 was produced from whom formal tenders were invited. They were: Norwest Holst; Embassy Partnerships; and Bebcon, the winners of the tender process, subsequently renamed Arteos.
§ Mr. CashTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the legal status of the site of the new British Embassy in Berlin; and to whom the freehold belongs. [49136]
§ Mr. FatchettUnder the terms of the PFI contract, signed on 23 June, the FCO granted a 62 year lease to Arteos, the PFI Operator, to enable it to provide an Embassy building, structure, Equipment and Services for an initial term of 30 years. Thereafter, the contract will be retendered for a second 30 year term. The lease will be assumed by the winner of that tender process. The FCO will retain the freehold.
§ Mr. CashTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the arrangements to protect the security of the new British Embassy in Berlin during and after its construction. [49137]
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§ Mr. FatchettThe PFI Contract between the FCO and Arteos, the PFI Operator, requires Arteos to comply with all FCO security requirements at all times, that is, during both the construction and the operating phases. Appropriate security safeguards will also be provided by the FCO during both phases. It is HMG's policy not to release detailed information on security arrangements at overseas posts.