Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bambos Charalambous and Penny Mordaunt

Thursday 16th July 2020 Commons Chamber

[The Paymaster General (Penny Mordaunt)]

Authorities are allowed to procure goods and services in extreme emergency situations, but that does not mean that scrutiny or value-for-money principles go out the window, and the hon. Lady will understand that. I am shocked to hear that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster may know people in Public First; I wish further offences to be taken into account and confess that I, too, know people who work for Public First—as does every Member on the Front Bench and every Member on the Back Bench on both sides of the House, because one of Public First’s associates is a much-loved former Deputy Speaker of this House. If the hon. Lady has serious concerns—other than insinuation—about any contracts, there are clear processes to go through, and I urge her to do so.

[Bambos Charalambous (Enfield, Southgate) (Lab)]

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Government’s preparations for the end of the transition period.