§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what use(a) his Department and (b) its agencies are currently making of the Government Purchase Card; what savings he estimates are being achieved as a result; what plans he has to expand use of the card by his Department and its agencies; and if he will make a statement. [55171]
§ Mr. DewarMy Department began using the Government Procurement Card on a pilot basis in September 1998. The pilot is taking place in two executive agencies and three business areas in the core Department. The pilot exercise will help to determine what savings and other benefits might accrue from using procurement cards, and whether there is a case for expanding their use throughout the Department.