HC Deb 18 April 2002 vol 383 cc1132-3W
Mr. Gray

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many contracts the Cabinet Office has with consultants; what level of professional indemnity insurance is standard in contracts with small consultants; whether he can make exceptions to the level of professional indemnity insurance; and what recent discussions he has had with other Government Departments about the level of professional indemnity insurance. [50826]

Mr. Leslie

The Cabinet Office standard terms and conditions of contract require consultants to indemnify the Department against all costs or third party claims arising from the consultant's acts or omissions, and to maintain insurance cover of a minimum of £500,000 per claim against the risk of fire or other damage to property or personal injury. The standard terms apply to all consultants irrespective of size. However, individual cases the amount of insurance required may be increased or reduced according to the risk associated with the contracted work.

The number of contracts is not held centrally and is available only at disproportionate cost.

As with previous Administrations, it is not this Government's practice to provide details of discussions which form part of the process of policy development and analysis.