§ Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbottsasked Her Majesty's Government:
In relation to the Measuring Instruments (EEC Requirements) (Fees) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1300), what checks will be made of the accuracy of the estimate made by the Secretary of State of the time required for equipment testing. [HL3812]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleUpon receipt of an inquiry for equipment testing, clients are given an estimate of the cost and completion time by the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML). The estimate is based on the time needed to carry out the job multiplied by the hourly charge rate of the staff carrying out the work plus any additional costs such as travel and subsistence or equipment hire fees. Estimates are approved by the business team manager of the equipment testing team that undertakes the work. In the event that additional testing is subsequently required, the client is informed, his/her permission for additional testing is obtained and the cost estimate is revised accordingly. Clients are charged the actual cost of the work which is the estimated value or less if the work is completed in less time than originally estimated. The invoice issued for the work is checked by NWML's finance team.
NWML is certified to ISO 9001:2000. Both the estimating and the invoicing processes are covered by quality procedures subject to periodic audit.