§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on the use of public procurement contracts to reduce social exclusion; what plans he has to issue guidance on the subject; and if he will make a statement. [88142]
§ Ruth KellyTreasury officials have had discussions with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in connection with their report "Achieving Community Benefits through Contracts". As the report acknowledges, the authors' understanding of the issues surrounding the procurement policy and legal framework has been furthered by discussions with, inter alia, officials at HM Treasury and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC).