§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he had from the Gardner Merchant subsidiary of Forte plc prior to his awarding the South Glamorgan health authority catering contract at three hospitals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesIt is a matter for South Glamorgan health authority to award the contract but departmental guidance indicates that unless there are compelling reasons otherwise, the contract should be awarded to the lowest tenderer. In this case, the Department has indicated that the lowest tender should be accepted. Gardner Merchant sought clarification of tender procedures and how long it 151W would take to resolve the matter. There was no discussion between the Department and Gardner Merchant on the details of its tender.