I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.
Drury Communications Ltd. were appointed in February of this year to assist in developing and implementing the overall communications strategy for the strategic management initiative (SMI) both internally and externally. Their appointment was the result of a competitive tendering process, in accordance with Government tendering procedures, which began in November 1995.
In all, submissions from eight Public Relations companies were evaluated. After consideration, the Co-ordinating Group of Secretaries under the SMI concluded that Drury Communications Ltd. offered the best range of skills for this project at the most appropriate price.
The cost of the consultancy over a 12-month period from February 1996 to the end-January 1997 is £83,600 plus VAT. This was approved by the Government contracts committee in February.
One of the central objectives of Delivering Better Government is the provision of an excellent service to the public. To achieve this, changes will need to be made to the overall approach of the Civil Service to the management of performance and to processes and procedures. Expertise in this complex area is required.
Tenders will be sought in the near future from appropriate consultancy firms to assist with this essential element of the strategic management initiative and to develop best practice. Government contract procedures will be fully complied with.