§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Government's policy is regarding credit checking its supplier companies and traders. [29903]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithI have been asked to reply.
The Office of Government Commerce published new guidance on the financial appraisal of suppliers in October 2001. The guidance stresses that while credit ratings are useful indicators they should not be used as a substitute for a more detailed financial examination of prospective suppliers.
A copy of Supplier Financial Appraisal Guidance is available on the Office of Government Commerce website at: www.ogc.gov.uk/ogc/publications.nsf/pages/publications.html.