HC Deb 21 February 1978 vol 944 cc602-3W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) whether special conditions or clauses relating to general economic or political issues are used in contracts negotiated by his Department with private firms; and if he will list the type of clauses used;

(2) of the special clauses used in departmental contracts, if he will identify those which relate (a) to specific Acts enacted by Parliament and (b) to guidelines or requirements administered by the Government which have neither secured statutory backing, nor authority.

Dr. J. Dickson Mabon

Contracts negotiated by my Department have on occasions included a clause which, in relation to certain payments to be made under them, provide for regard to be had to the limits of remuneration established by Section 1 of the Remuneration, Charges and Grants Act 1975 or of Command Paper 6151 laid before Parliament in July 1975.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the sanctions available to his Department should a company fail to observe a specific clause relating to general economic or political issues in departmental contracts.

Dr. J. Dickson Mabon

The sanctions available to my Department are those generally available to contracting parties in cases of default.