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21 May 2003 : Column 774W—continued
KPMG
Mr. Kilfoyle: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many contracts his Department has awarded to KPMG since 1997. [113679]
Mr. Alexander: Information on the number of contracts awarded by the Cabinet Office to KPMG in financial years 1997–98 to 2000–01 is available only at disproportionate cost. The numbers of contracts awarded in 2001–02 and 2002–03 were 2 and 4 respectively.
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Bridleways
John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many public inquiries and at what estimated cost are projected due to the applications from the Trail Riders Federation to upgrade bridleways. [114777]
Alun Michael: I understand that information on public inquiries on rights of way is not held centrally in a form that makes it easy to provide an estimate of this sort. However I have asked officials to look at the level of applications and appeals and I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as clearer information is available.
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John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received about the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in relation to the upgrading of bridleways for off road vehicles. [114776]
Alun Michael: I have asked officials to look at the level of applications for the upgrading of bridleways for off road vehicles under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Definitive map modification orders, which can amend the status of bridleways to byways open to all traffic, are currently dealt with by local highway authorities, and if an objection is made to a modification order, it is referred to the Planning Inspectorate to decide the case on behalf of the Secretary of State. I will write to the hon. Gentleman once I have the information.
Departmental Report
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report. [112811]
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Alun Michael: The Defra annual report for 2001 was produced with the assistance of the Central Office of Information at a cost of £17,887, exclusive of VAT.
| Description | £ (excluding VAT) |
|---|---|
| Proofreading | 3,962 |
| Design, layout and cover | 13,400 |
| Production of web version | 525 |
| Total cost excluding printing | 17,887 |
Defra did not incur any of the print production costs. The Stationery Office prints and distributes the annual report as a commercial venture.
E-government
Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list, by project, the consultancies her Department and its non-departmental public bodies have used on e-government projects since 1 January 2001. [112836]
Alun Michael: The following table identifies consultancy companies which have assisted Defra (including agencies and non departmental bodies) on major e-government projects since 1 January 2001.
Note:
1. The projects shown in this list are Defra's larger e-government projects (total cost £100,000 or more) which contribute towards the central target of making 100 per cent. of central Government services available by 2005.
2. Under existing arrangements Defra's application development services are normally provided by the 'Delta' public/private partnership involving Schlumberger Sema and Sherwood International.
3. Other consultancy services will also have been provided under the terms of a framework contract with Fujitsu.
4. To provide a breakdown of consultancy companies/support by cost, or to provide details for smaller projects, would incur disproportionate cost.
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European Union Directives
Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the procedure her Department follows to transpose an EU directive into United Kingdom law. [113770]
Alun Michael: Defra's policy is to transpose in such a way as to achieve the objectives of the European measure on time and in accordance with other UK policy goals, including minimising the burdens on business. A Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is
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started before the Commission formally publishes its proposal, and is then developed as the proposal goes through negotiation and at the transposition stage. A Risk Management approach is used, ensuring that the risks are identified and evaluated for Ministers.
The normal procedure is that a project plan for transposition is developed, and a draft legal text of implementing regulation is prepared. Collective ministerial agreement for implementing regulations is sought, and the implementing regulations are laid before Parliament. Defra works closely with colleagues
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in the Devolved Administrations and where applicable, the Government of Gibraltar, to ensure effective and timely transposition of the Directive throughout the UK.
Foot and Mouth
Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects Lord Haskins to report. [115182]
Alun Michael: Lord Haskins expects to submit a full report in the summer. Publication will follow as soon as possible after due consideration by Ministers.
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