HC Deb 04 May 1990 vol 171 cc683-4W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Prime Minister whether she has sought to curb the award of Government contracts to accountancy firms criticised by the Department of Trade and Industry inspectors.

The Prime Minister

Not as a general act of policy and it would be wrong to do so. However, Government Departments are aware of the need before awarding such contracts to take into account all relevant considerations and to make such inquiries as are necessary to establish the professional competence of the firm concerned.