§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he or officers of his Department have had with councillors or officers of Kyle and Carrick district council regarding contracting out of council services; which services were the subject of these discussions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartThe Scottish Office provides advice to Scottish local authorities regarding the legal context of public procurement. Kyle and Carrick district council has sought general advice about the compulsory competitive tendering legislation and the European Community public procurement directives. Responsibility for placing individual contracts rests entirely with local authorities, who must satisfy themselves that their actions are within the law.