§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the conclusions of the report of the review team on the future of the Crown Suppliers, with particlar reference to the possible privatisation of the organisation; what view was expressed to the review team on this matter by suppliers; what conclusions the review team reached about the effect of privatisation on the promptness of bill payments by the Crown Suppliers; what conclusions he has reached on the report's recommendations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungIn relation to the report of the review team I have nothing at present to add to the reply I gave on 3 June to the hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) at columns510–11. As regards the views expressed by suppliers, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Thurrock (Dr. McDonald) on 27 March at column 625. In its report, the review team notes that some suppliers expressed concern that the Crown Suppliers, if privatised, might not pay bills as promptly as at present.
§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the importance for small businesses of contracts from the Crown Suppliers.
§ Sir George YoungThe Government attach great importance to the encouragement and use of small firms on contracts for the Crown Suppliers. In line with Government policy, the Crown Suppliers places contracts wherever possible with small businesses, where this can be shown to be economic. About one third of all contracts awarded after competition in 1984–85 were with firms employing fewer than 100 staff.