Vol. 414 No. 1
64 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline in respect of his Department (1) the number of Government contracts which are in force, (2) whether all contracts are renewed each year and (3) if all contracts are granted as a result of tendering to the most competitive estimate.
(1) In the time available, it would not be possible to enumerate exactly the number of contracts in force in my Department. These vary from major items, for example, rescue helicopter provision or harbour construction, which are the subject of tendering, to minor matters like office equipment maintenance. Excluding minor purchase contracts, significant contracts would be approximately 30.
(2) Not all contracts are renewable on an annual basis. Many contracts are one off capital construction works. Supply contracts are often for example, on a periodic basis.
(3) Where tenders are sought, contracts are awarded to the lowest most suitable tenderer.
