§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish equal opportunities policy guidelines to companies bidding to run Government services contracted out to the private sector.
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§ Mr. GummerEC Council Directive 92/50 lays down criteria for the award of contracts but prohibits the imposition of any non-commercial criteria. Nevertheless, companies invited to tender will be asked to state how equal opportunities policies would be reflected in the performance of their duties. In addition, the terms and conditions of any contract will include a requirement that the contractor shall not discriminate unlawfully within the meaning and scope of the Race Relations Act 1976 or the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and 1986.