§ The Earl of KIMBERLEYasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the EEC regulations which are to be implemented this year governing tendering for the supply of equipment in the Government and private sectors; how they intend to implement the regulations; and how they will give advice to those concerned about meeting the requirements of the regulations.
§ The MINISTER of STATE, TREASURY (Lord Cockfield)The Council of Ministers is expected to adopt a directive later this year applying the GATT Code on Government Procurement within the Community. Member states will be required to implement this directive, which will cover central Government purchasing only, by 1st January 1981. The directive will be implemented in the United Kingdom by administrative action, and advice on its operation will be disseminated through normal departmental channels. No EEC regulations on private sector contracting are envisaged at present.