§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what rules or arrangements exist to prevent collusion or the development of cartels amongst candidates expressing an interest and admitted to negotiate under Article 22 (3) of the Public Works Directive 93/37. [24686]
§ Mr. Milburn[holding answer 26 January 1998]: The National Health Service Estates Agency, an agency of the Department of Health, has issued policy and guidance on works procurement in Concode. When contracts are negotiated value for money must be demonstrated as with any open competition. Negotiations are also subject to European Community Regulations. It is also normal practice to include an anti-collusion clause in contracts.