§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list for the financial year 1998–99(a) the number and (b) the total value of contracts let by his Department with external consultants and advisers that (i) were put out to competitive tender, (ii) were not put out to competitive tender and (iii) were let on a non-commercial basis, stating in each case the names of the individuals or organisations that have carried out the work. [109263]
§ Mr. Hain[holding answer 9 February 2000]: The information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. FCO procurement policy requires goods and services to be acquired by competitive tender unless there are compelling reasons to the contrary or they are below £500 in value. Sole source and single source procurement is subject to special safeguards.
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§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the number and value of contracts let by his Department since May 1997 to external consultants and advisers for the management of competitive tendering processes. [109449]