Oral Answers to Questions

Nicholas Dakin Excerpts

Wednesday 21st February 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Lidington]

I am happy to join my hon. Friend in his tribute to the steelworkers of Corby, and the steel industry in the United Kingdom more generally. The guidelines that we have introduced mean that purchasing authorities must take account of the wider social and economic benefits that UK producers can bring, so that contracts are not awarded on the basis of cost alone. Moreover, every public authority is now required to incorporate relevant social and economic criteria in all major construction and infrastructure projects.

[Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab)]

When will the Government fulfil their commitment in procurement policy note 11/16 to publish the performance of each Department?

[Mr Lidington]

I hope that we shall be able to do that later this year. According to the most recent information that I have, Government Departments are committed to following the guidelines, but we are carrying out checks to ensure that that is being followed through to the spirit as well as the letter.