§ Mr. Gordon MarsdenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment has been made of the interaction between possible private sector involvement in National Savings' operational services and changes to its financial products. [51809]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of National Savings. I have asked him to reply.
657WLetter from Peter Bareau to Mr. Gordon Marsden, dated 23 July 1998:
I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question 51809 about the assessment that has been made of the interaction between possible private sector involvement in National Savings' Operational Services and changes to its financial products.The Invitation to Negotiate issued to the bidders specified the requirement that they should provide the flexibility to introduce new products quickly and economically. Their response to this request will be a key element of the evaluation of proposals.While EDS and Siemens have been invited to bid for their administration, any change to the design of savings products would remain the responsibility of National Savings, which will continue to be a Government Agency.