§ Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she is taking to reduce the procedural requirements involved in bidding for EU public sector contracts. [125298]
§ Jacqui SmithThe UK has taken an active part in the negotiations on the European Commission proposals to simplify, clarify and modernise the existing public procurement directives. The proposals have just completed their second reading by the European Parliament. Once adopted, the new public procurement directives will provide an up-to-date framework within which efficient and non-discriminatory procurement can take place.