§ Mr. BurdenTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the objective of removing equal opportunities requirements from private contractors bidding for Government contracts.
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§ Mr. David Davis[holding answer 19 January 1994]: The Government and the civil service are committed to a policy of equality of opportunity both because it is right in terms of social justice and because it makes good business sense.
Where services are contracted out to private companies, the Government do not intend to require particular employment policies and practices, and such requirements will not be included in tender documents, although contracts may require compliance with United Kingdom law on equal opportunities if the contracted work is carried out wholly within the United Kingdom. EC directives impose restrictions on the Government's ability to take account of non-commercial matters.