Written question asked by Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Freud (Conservative) on Monday, 12 December 2011.

Adventure Activities Licensing Authority

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what standards the Health and Safety Executive has established to ensure best value for money in relation to the Adventure Activity Licensing Authority contract.

Answer: Tourism Quality Services Ltd (TQS) holds the contract to deliver licensing on a not-for-profit basis on behalf of the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). As required under the terms and conditions of the contract, its performance against the contract specification is monitored via monthly statistical and financial reports. These detail year-to-date expenditure against the forecast expenditure, which is agreed by the Health and Safety Executive at the start of each year. Further monitoring of performance is provided through quarterly contract meetings, ad hoc meetings and dialogue and annual reports submitted to the HSE board. TQS is independently audited annually and has been subject to an HSE internal audit—both providing additional verification of performance standards.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14025; 733 c205WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Contracts Cost effectiveness Adventure Activities Licensing Authority
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk