Written question asked by Lord Field of Birkenhead (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 October 1996. It was answered by Roger Evans (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: If he is yet in a position to report on the tenders submitted to him for the Benefit Agency's telephone interpreting service.

Answer: Mr. Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he is yet in a position to report on the tenders submitted to him for the Benefit Agency's telephone interpreting service; and if he will make a statement. [40987] Mr. Evans: A framework agreement has been negotiated with Language Line Ltd. for the provision of a telephone interpretation service to the Benefits Agency and other interested Government Departments. Unsuccessful tenderers were informed by letter dated 14 October 1996. Debriefs for the unsuccessful tenderers are currently being arranged with the first debrief organised for 7 November 1996. BA Purchasing and Supply, which let the contract on behalf of the Department of Social Security, is confident that the successful tender will provide an improved service in terms of quality of interpretation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 40987; 282 c1020W;282 c1017-8W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Contracts for services Advisory services Languages Telephone services Social Security Benefits Agency Interpreters