§ Sir Michael GryllsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the progress made in the enforcement of the opening up of public contracts in the EC.
§ Mr. NeedhamEnforcement of the EC rules on procurement in the public and utilities sector is largely a matter for the EC suppliers and contractors who benefit from the directives. There are associated directives which require member states to establish review systems under which suppliers can seek legal remedies if harmed or at risk of harm by a breach of EC law. The associated directives also require member states to provide information in case of clear and manifest infringement of the EC rules so that the Commission can consider whether to bring proceedings against the member states under article I 69/EEC. The implementation of the directives is monitored closely by the Commission. In the United Kingdom, the EC rules on the procurement of supplies and works and the associated provisions on remedies have been given effect in SI 91/2679, SI 91/2680 and SI 92/3279.