§ Mr. PearsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list for his Department and its agencies the approved list of manufacturers of(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles; and if he will make a statement on his Department's leasing and purchasing policy. [128993]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe Northern Ireland Office and its agencies do not have approved lists of manufacturers for either cars or commercial vehicles. Vehicles are sourced using either UK national framework agreements or by open competitive tender. Procurement (i.e. purchasing or leasing) for the NIO is normally undertaken using the open procedure. The procurement practice for such contracts is governed by national and international regulations, in particular EC Directives. These Directives mean that government must conduct public purchasing according to three basic principles—openness and transparency of award procedures, genuine competition in contract award, and no unlawful discrimination.
In certain circumstances (e.g. security) the restricted procedure is used. Where this procedure is used companies may apply to be included on a restricted list of approved suppliers. Their inclusion on such lists is subject to their meeting the required criteria.