Campbeltown to Ballycastle Ferry Service: written authority - January 2002

Request for written authority

From: NS Munro
To: Minister for Enterprise, Transport, and Lifelong Learning
Date: 29 January 2002

Minister for Enterprise, Transport, and Lifelong Learning

Section 15(8) of the Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000: Campbeltown to Ballycastle Ferry Proposal

1. This minute requests that you issue to me, as the relevant Accountable Officer, written authority to implement the Cabinet's decision to proceed with tendering the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry service.
2. In the light of the financial and economic appraisals that were carried out officials had advised Ministers that, with a high anticipated subsidy requirement and a low level of forecast employment creation, the project did not pass the value for money appraisals we apply to such proposals. It would be inconsistent with the proper performance of my duties, which require me to have regard to value for money in the use of public expenditure, to act on the Cabinet decision.
3. In these circumstances, I consider that it is my duty in terms of section 15(6)(b) and 15(8) of the 2000 Act, to obtain written Ministerial authority before I proceed with the tendering of the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry service. This action would follow as soon as the necessary devolved powers are in place. The authority should apply also to the implementation of any decision the Cabinet may take as a result of the procurement process to award a contract for the ferry service, and to any subsequent payments I may have to authorise under that contract.
4. The Ministerial authority would apply to actions taken by any Executive official as I consider necessary to implement Cabinet's instructions as regards this ferry service.

Nicola Munro
29 January 2002