To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was paid by his Department to Capita Group plc and its subsidiaries in each financial year since 2000; which contracts were awarded by his Department to Capita Group plc in each year from 2000-01 to the most recent available date; what the cost was of each contract; what penalties for default were imposed in contract provisions; what the length was of each contract; whether the contract was advertised; how many companies applied for the contract; how many were short-listed; what criteria were used for choosing a company; what provision was made for renewal without re-tender in each case; and if he will make a statement. (180691)

DEFRA came into being in June 2001. From information held centrally, the core-Department's expenditure with Capita Group plc and its subsidiaries since financial year 2001-02 is tabled as follows:

The other information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.