§ Mr. George OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the consultancy work being carried out by Towers-Perrin into the structure of OFCOM for her Department was put out to competitive tender; and if she will make a statement.[72225]
§ Stephen TimmsA consortium of consultants, led by Towers Perrin and assisted by Ernst and Young and Differentis, is currently working on a wide range of organisational issues, including OFCOM's structure, as part of the preparations for the new regulator. This work was subject to full competitive tender in line with Government and EC requirements, following publication of a Notice in the Official Journal of the European Communities. The outcome of the tendering process was also published in the Official Journal.
§ Mr. George OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultation is taking place with the radio industry about the future structure of OFCOM. [72226]
§ Stephen TimmsThe radio industry is engaged in regular meetings with the Communications Bill Team and the existing communications regulators and has had informal discussion with the OFCOM Transition Team. Formal consultation on OFCOM structure and other organisational arrangements will be a matter for the OFCOM Chairman and Board, once they are in post.