HC Deb 27 October 1993 vol 230 cc672-3W
Mr. Mandelson

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, to withhold Government business and contracts from financial, legal and accounting bodies involved in advising or creating offshore vehicles for the avoidance of United Kingdom taxation.

Sir John Cope

The grounds on which Departments decide to do business with any firm will depend upon the individual circumstances of each appointment.

In general, Departments seek to ensure that there are no matters which could reduce a firm's effectiveness in performing the services for which it is to be appointed and that there are no matters which make it inappropriate for Government to have business dealings with the firm.