§ Lord Hoyleasked Her Majesty's Government:
What criteria are taken into acount when purchasing cars for Government Departments by the Government Car and Despatch Agency. [HL3658]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonResponsibility for these matters has been delegated under the terms of the Framework Document to the Government Car and Despatch Agency. I have asked its Chief Executive, Mr Nick Matheson, to write to the noble Lord.
Letter to Lord Hoyle from the Chief Executive of the Government Car and Despatch Agency, Mr Nick Matheson
Lord Falconer of Thoroton, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, has asked me in my capacity as the Chief Executive responsible for the Government Car and Despatch Agency to reply to your parliamentary Question about the criteria for purchasing cars for the Government Car Service.
In establishing whether a particular car is suitable for use by the Government Car Service I have to be satisfied that it is going to be safe, reliable and comfortable. Its running costs must not be excessive, the vehicle receives full technical support from the manufacturer and the car will have a reasonable residual value when it is ready for disposal. Trim levels must be comfortable without being extravagant to meet guidelines set by the Prime Minister. But I also 125WA pay particular attention to passenger accessibility, particularly as the car is often fully occupied. Ministers have to be able to work effectively whilst travelling, and be able to get in and out of the car easily.
In addition to vehicles supplied by the Government Car Service for use by Ministers, government departments may purchase vehicles for their own purposes.
§ Lord Hoyleasked Her Majesty's Government:
What criteria are used when purchasing cars for use by:
- (a) the Foreign and Commonwealth Office;
- (b) the Department of Social Security;
- (c) the Department of Health;
- (d) the Department for Education and Employment;
- (e) the Lord Chancellor's Office;
- (f) the Northern Ireland Office;
- (g) the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions;
- (h) the Ministry of Defence;
- (i) the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food;
- (j) the Home Office;
- (k) the Department of Trade and Industry. [HL3659]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonVehicles are purchased in line with the Government's policy of securing value for money for the taxpayer. Value for money is the optimum combination of whole life costs and quality (or fitness for purpose) to meet the user's requirement. Criteria to be taken into account are essentially economic and will include quality, aesthetics, delivery, maintenance, management, operating and disposal costs as well as initial price.
Casualties as a Result of Paramilitary Style Attacks 1 January to 30 June 1999 and 2000 2000 (to 30 June) 1999 (to 30 June) Shootings Assaults Shootings Assaults Loy Rep Loy Rep Loy Rep Loy Rep January 3 — 9 1 6 5 17 12 February 4 — 4 3 6 1 13 5 March 11 6 8 4 — 4 11 2 April 6 9 3 7 2 2 3 4 May 9 5 6 8 4 4 7 1 June 6 3 6 4 5 5 8 6 Total 39 23 36 27 23 21 59 30