§ Ms. QuinTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on the European Commission's proposals concerning public supply contracts.
§ Mr. Brooke[holding answer 9 November 1987]: The Government welcome the common position adopted by the Internal Market Council on 5 October on the Commission's proposal to amend the EC supplies directives. The common position is consistent with our policy of seeking value for money in the public sector and with our support for opening up the EC internal market to improve opportunities for United Kingdom firms. Under the Single European Act, the European Parliament now has an opportunity to consider the common position.
We also welcome the Commission's intention to improve compliance with the supplies and works directives but have difficulties with parts of the proposal on compliance which it has submitted to the Council, and which the European Parliament is now considering.