§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether Northern Ireland Government Departments seek confirmation of the financial security of main contractors prior to awarding contracts.
§ Dr. MawhinneyProcedures for checking a contractor's financial and economic standing as part of an approved list system or, in the absence of approved lists, prior to the award of contracts are followed by all NI Departments. The extent of such checks is dependent on the value of the contract, the risks associated with it and the Department's prior knowledge of the contractor, but may include, for example, an examination of bankers' statements, balance sheets, statements of overall turnover and on construction works for three previous years, and proof of enrolment in a professional or trade register.
Under EC works directive 89/440 Departments are required to treat all tenderers in a fair and equal manner using objective criteria in selecting participants and awarding contracts.