§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [109453]
§ Dr. ReidMy Department's competitive tendering processes are overseen by officials. Specialist external support is commonly obtained in connection with such exercises, for example, to provide professional advice on construction projects or specialist technical advice on IT projects. Information on contracts placed for external advice in connection with competitive tendering exercises is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [109267]
§ Dr. Reid[holding answer 9 February 2000]: It is Government policy that all goods and services, including consultancy, should be acquired on the basis of value for money and therefore on a commercial basis, following competition, unless there are convincing reasons to the contrary. Information regarding the breakdown between contracts which were, and which were not, awarded following competition is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.