HC Deb 15 May 2002 vol 385 cc654-5W
Mr. Peter Duncan

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on Forest Enterprise procurement procedures for forestry harvesting and transport equipment. [55819]

Mr. Morley

Forest Enterprise procurement procedures for forestry harvesting and transport equipment follow HM Treasury guidelines and EU regulations and directives.

Mr. Peter Duncan

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the value is of contracts awarded by Forest Enterprise to Mechanical Engineering Services in each of the last three years. [55814]

Mr. Morley

Mechanical Engineering Services is part of the Forestry Commission's Forest Enterprise Agency. It is responsible for supplying and maintaining the agency's fleet of machinery and vehicles. There is, therefore, no requirement for a contractual relationship. However, the value of this service to Forest Enterprise for the last three years has been £15.7 million (2001–02), £15.6 million (2000–01) and £15.7 million (1999–2000).

Mr. Peter Duncan

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what procedures are in place for ensuring fair competition for contracts issued by Forest Enterprise. [55820]

Mr. Morley

Forest Enterprise follows HM Treasury guidelines and EU regulations and directives when letting contracts.

Mr. Peter Duncan

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what procedures are in place in Forest Enterprise for ensuring best value in(a) procuring and (b) disposing of forestry capital equipment contracts. [55815]

Mr. Morley

Forest Enterprise follows HM Treasury guidelines which are designed to ensure best value for use of public funds. The procurement of forestry capital equipment is subject to European Union procurement directives, and Forest Enterprise requirements are therefore advertised in theOfficial Journal of the European Communities. Disposal of forestry capital equipment is carried out by open tender and public auction.

Mr. Peter Duncan

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many vehicles operated by Forest Enterprise are(a) cars and vans and (b) other forestry vehicles; and how many are obliged to have a valid current tax disc. [55813]

Mr. Morley

Forest Enterprise currently operates 1,718 cars and vans and 320 other forestry vehicles. Most of these vehicles (1,852) are used exclusively in the service of the Crown and hence are exempt from vehicle excise duty under section 183 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The remainder (186 cars) are subject to vehicle excise duty due to an element of private use for which each user makes a payment.

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