Written question asked by Janet Anderson (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 July 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 July 2007. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 15 October 2007 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Refreshment Department: Consultants

Question: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what the cost will be to the House of Commons Refreshment Department of the research being undertaken by the Russell Partnership.

Answer: The Russell Partnership is currently undertaking two research projects for the House of Commons Refreshment Department:"an operational and financial benchmarking review of catering and retail services; and,""customer research to provide qualitative input for the benchmarking review." Further to my reply to the hon. Member for Hammersmith and Fulham (Mr. Hands) on 26 June 2007, Official Report, column 658W, the tendered price to interview a sample of around 35 MPs and to conduct a survey among staff of the House and Members' staff was £6,950. The cost of the benchmarking review will be up to £26,250. Both contracts were awarded following competitive tendering exercises under the House of Commons consultancy framework agreement. The research is being carried out in response to recommendations made by the Administration Committee in their report on Refreshment Department Services (HC 733) published on 14 February 2006.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 153627; 464 c748W;464 (Not in Bound Volume)
Session: 2006-07
Related items: Refreshment Department: Consultants
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Written questions
House of Commons
Notes: Not printed in bound volume.
Subjects: Consultants Refreshment Department
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk