§ The Chairman of Committees (Lord Brabazon of Tara)The Travel Office contact, managed jointly by the two Houses, has been let for a number of years to American Express. This contract will expire at the end of August.
Following a full open competition under EU procurement rules, it has been decided to award the new contract to Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT). CWT will offer a wide range of services, including an office within the Palace of Westminster, access to preferential prices for both air and rail travel, foreign exchange and an Internet self-booking facility for those who wish to book online. It is expected that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations will apply, and the jobs of existing staff in the Travel Office will thus be protected.