Vol. 396 No. 6
100 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance whether the purchase and servicing of Ordnance Survey vehicles have been undertaken strictly in accordance with tendering instructions issued by his Department; the dates on which tenders were last issued for purchase and/or servicing of vehicles; the number of companies requested to tender; and the number which submitted tenders.
The purchase of vehicles for the Ordnance Survey is undertaken by the Government Supplies Agency. This is done by competitive tender, in accordance with Government contracts procedures. The latest purchases were made in January and February 1989. It is not the practice to publish details of the actual number of firms involved in particular tenders.
The Director of the Ordnance Survey has informed me that the servicing of vehicles has not been the subject of a formal contract arrangement. I have asked the director to ensure that the official procedures are observed.
