HL Deb 20 March 2002 vol 632 cc147-8WA
Baroness Hanham

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the employment of the public relations firm, Finsbury, by the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions was carried out on a competitive basis; and, if so, how may other companies were assessed for suitability. [HL3224]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

Finsbury was originally engaged by SSSB, the department's financial adviser, on its own account, to assist it in its work as the department's banking adviser.

At the end of December 2001, it was decided to extend Finsbury's invovlement. It now works direct to the department. The extension of Finsbury's involvement was by single tender in view of the knowledge and expertise it had accumulated at that stage.

Baroness Hanham

asked Her Majesty's Government:

For what term the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions has employed Finsbury, a public relations firm; and whether the contract is renewable. [HL3226]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

Finsbury has contributed to the work of the team dealing with Railtrack in administration since October 2001, initially under contract to SSSB, the department's financial adviser, and latterly directly for the department. The current arrangement is due to be reviewed at the end of March.