Written question asked by Duncan Hames (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 13 June 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 June 2011. It was answered by Viscount Thurso (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 16 June 2011 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Printing Machinery

Question: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, what assessment the House of Commons Commission has made of the whole life value for money of arrangements for procurement of desktop printers for hon. Members' offices and the House of Commons Service.

Answer: Before the last election PICT was asked to select a range of printers from which Members could choose. The printers had to be capable of using the House's relatively heavy embossed paper and envelopes. The assessment included evaluation of the full-life cost of the printers. Six printers were selected, including black and white, colour and multi-function devices. Members and their staff were invited to view and test the models before a final decision was made. The printers are procured through contracts that have been subject to full EU competitive tenders, thereby ensuring their pricing is competitive. The House also uses these contracts to meet its requirements for printers for the House Service.

Secondary information