§ Mr. CashTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to encourage the EC to ensure that European Community public procurement directive (90/531/EEC) is equally implemented by all relevant member states; and with what results.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe European Commission continues to put pressure on all member states to eliminate any delays in implementing single market measures, including public procurement directive 90/531/EEC. It regularly produces a table showing the state of transposition of such measures by EC member states which it presents to ministers at meetings of the Internal Market Council. It also holds meetings as appropriate on a bilateral basis with the authorities of member states to discuss specific difficulties on transposition. In addition, the Commission has three advisory committees to discuss its proposals for monitoring the application and effectiveness of the public procurement directives.
Directive 90/531/EEC, which is designed to open up supplies and works contracts for utilities in the water, energy, transport, and telecommunications sectors to 302W Community-wide competition, is required to have entered into force on 1 January 1993 with derogations for Spain —1 January 1996—and for Greece and Portugal—1 January 1998. The Commission's latest report indicates that six member states, including the United Kingdom, have so far implemented the directive, Belgium has drafted the necessary domestic legislation and Germany and Italy have yet to notify any implementation measures. The Government will continue to take a close interest in progress towards proper implementation by all member states.