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Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much his Department (a) has paid and (b) plans to pay in future years to companies working on the Identity Cards programme; which companies have so far received payments; and how much each such company was paid. [43144]
Andy Burnham:
The amounts paid to companies for work on the Identity Cards Programme since 6 April 2005 is shown in the table. Companies are engaged on different commercial terms depending on the nature of the work. For example KPMG was engaged for a one-
18 Apr 2006 : Column 447W
off assignment, while others have ongoing contracts or have supplied secondees or personnel. Field Fisher Waterhouse is engaged on a call-off basis and its services are used as and when commercial legal advice is required.
The contract with PA Consulting commenced in May 2004 and lasts up to a maximum of three years. The contract may be terminated with one month's notice.
18 Apr 2006 : Column 448W
The total values of the contracts with Whitehead Mann and SIGMA are £50,000 and £75,000 respectively. We cannot release details of estimated contract values for suppliers who will deliver the Identity Cards Scheme as the procurement phase has not yet commenced. These estimates are therefore commercially sensitive and releasing them may prejudice the programme's ability to achieve value for money from the market.
John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to extend the age limits for possible jury service; and if he will make a statement. [62231]
Fiona Mactaggart: The age range for eligibility for jury service is 18 to 70. The Government agree with Lord Justice Auld's finding in his Review of the Criminal Courts that there is no compelling case for changing the present upper limit.
Mrs. Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 9 March 2006, Official Report, column 1671W, on police, if he will list the members of the working group led by his Department; on what dates it met; and if he will place in the Library the minutes of the meetings. [59972]
Hazel Blears: The Restructuring Finance Working Group provides continuing advice to inform the development of government policy. It is chaired by the Head of the Police Finance and Information Technology Unit, Home Office. Members are drawn from the Home Office, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, HM Treasury, Welsh Assembly Government, the Local Government Association, the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Association of Police Authorities, the Metropolitan Police Authority and Metropolitan Police Service. It has met on 14 December, 12 January and 10 February and will meet again shortly. We do not routinely publish minutes from the Working Group.
Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police stations have (a) opened and (b) closed in each police force area in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [63062]
Hazel Blears: The local police authorities own all police stations. The management of the police estate and allocation of resources are matters for each police authority and the chief officer, who are responsible for assessing local needs. Information provided by the forces is set out in the table.
Mr. Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the set up costs of the proposed Welsh police force will be; what the average set up costs of amalgamated forces in England will be; and if he will make a statement. [60367]
Hazel Blears: The estimated set up costs of a strategic police force for Wales is £35 million. Long term savings made possible by the merger are currently estimated at around £16 million a year.
The varied conditions in different merger groups are reflected in different estimates of set-up costs. For most groups estimated set-up costs are in the range £30 million to £50 million.
Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the latest review of the proposed merger of the south west police constabularies is expected (a) to begin and (b) to report to Ministers; and what the terms of reference are of the review. [63342]
Hazel Blears: Assessment of options involving the south west police forces and authorities is nearing completion. Once complete the Home Secretary will discuss with chief officers and chairs of police authorities in the south west the best option for that area.
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