To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much PricewaterhouseCoopers was paid for its review of prison-based drug treatment funding; and what competitive tendering process was undertaken to choose a private sector provider for this report. (198339)

The tender for the review of prison-based drug treatment funding was let to PricewaterhouseCoopers at a cost of £317,510. Additional funding for a value of £9,000 was also provided due to a change in the requirements.

The tendering process took place under the Department’s consultancy services framework, which allows limited competition between 43 registered suppliers, chosen following a rigorous procurement process. Pre-agreed terms and conditions with these suppliers offer the Department sound contractual safeguards.

Three companies tendered for the review. In total, there are 13 companies listed under the consultancy services framework’s sub-category of health consultancy. These were all invited to tender.