§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what criteria were used in selecting Loudcloud to host the UK online website; and if she will make a statement; [43210]
(2) how many (a) companies and (b) UK companies were invited to tender for the contract to host the UK online website; [43211]
(3) what discussions took place with the Prime Minister's Office regarding the choice of companies invited to tender for the contract to run the UK online website. [43212]
§ Mr. LeslieI have been asked to reply.
No discussions took place with the Prime Minister's Office regarding the choice of company selected to run the UK online website.
Negotiations between the Office of the e-Envoy and BT Syntegra on renewal of the UK online contract broke down in autumn 2001. OeE received legal advice that——given the need to maintain continuity of service——the only option was to contract directly for hosting services with BT's proposed sub-contractor, Loudcloud UK, a UK company. Doing so was fully compliant with EC procurement rules.