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House of Commons Commission

Answer

Mr. Dismore: To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission what service level agreement has been reached with the company due to replace American Express in the Travel Office; what assessment he has made of the consequences for American Express staff of the changes of provider; what measures he has put in place to (a) check performance and (b) other feedback from hon. Members and their staff of the new company's performance; what the anticipated savings to the House are; and if he will make a statement. [181292] Sir Archy Kirkwood: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given on 17 June 2004, Official Report, column 1045W. Detailed discussions for the provision of service are under way with Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT). These include discussion of service standards which will be an important part of the final contract. As I stated on 17 June, I understand it to be CWT's assessment that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations will apply. The jobs of existing staff will thus be protected and they have the opportunity to remain in the Travel Office. A range of measures will be put in place to check on the performance of CWT: these will be reflected in the service standards and monitored on a regular basis. Hon. Members and their staff are encouraged to provide feedback on the service through the Travel Office Consumers' Panel, to the Director of Finance and Administration or to CWT itself. The contract has been let on a competitive basis, and represents best overall value to Parliament, taking account both of the cost of the contract itself, and also potential savings in the cost of travel.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

423 c447-8W; 181292

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Contracts Parliamentary Travel Office American Express CWT

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk