Transport for London (Best Value) (Contracting Out of Investment and Highway Functions) Order 2005

My Lords, I am most grateful to both noble Baronesses who have contributed to this very short consideration of the order—hardly any time has elapsed. The noble Baroness, Lady Hanham, made an aside about the definition of local authorities seeming to cover TfL. The definition of a local authority under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 does not, strictly speaking, include TfL. However, as I think I made clear in my observations, by virtue of Section 1 of the Local Government Act 1999, TfL can be a best value authority, and I suppose we should all be very grateful for that. The noble Baroness, Lady Hanham, asked a couple of questions, which I may be able to answer. Independent scrutiny arrangements are approved by the Audit Commission through initial performance assessments carried out on a periodic basis. I think that is how it is envisaged that there will be this careful consideration on investment matters. I see that the noble Baroness is shaking her head and I must say that I am not entirely satisfied that that answer is as full as it should be. I will drop the noble Baronesses, Lady Hanham and Lady Harris, a note so that they can have the benefit of a fuller response. I would anticipate that there ought to be some independent scrutiny in this area because, as the noble Baroness, Lady Hanham, said, we cannot afford to have an overly cosy relationship in these situations. In essence, this order is about ensuring that we get good value for money throughout when contracts are put out so that we can match and evaluate in-house with external arrangements and get the best possible deal for the public, because that is what we are after. Having made that commitment to write to the noble Baronesses, I trust that the House will endorse this order. On Question, Motion agreed to.