§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any plans to cease using accountancy firms found to be unprofessional by the joint disciplinary scheme.
§ Mr. RifkindOn reaching an adverse finding against an accountancy firm, the committee of inquiry appointed under the joint disciplinary scheme may make an order censuring, reprimanding or admonishing such a firm and an order as to costs. My Department would not draw any automatic conclusion from the fact of an adverse finding; careful note would be taken of the terms of the finding in considering whether work should be commissioned from the firm.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any plans to cease using accountancy firms sued by the Government for negligence.
§ Mr. RifkindThe existence of current or previous litigation is one of many aspects taken into account in deciding whether accountancy firms should be invited to tender for assignments. The objective must be to ensure that the service required is obtained from the most appropriate source.