To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what risk assessment her Department and Firebuy have undertaken of the decision to sign the integrated clothing project managed service contract; and what conclusions have been drawn. (188529)

[holding answer 22 February 2008]: The fully managed service and purchase with managed services elements of the integrated clothing project contract are expected to be signed this month between the service provider and Firebuy Ltd. The purchase- only element of the contract was signed in October 2007. The decision to proceed to contract signature was made following a full assessment of the benefits and risks.