§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for allowing local government not to proceed with current compulsory competitive tendering. [3995]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsMy right hon. Friend announced on 2 June,Official Report, column 32–3 his proposals for extending the current moratorium on compulsory competitive tendering in Wales. The Welsh Office is consulting local government, private sector contractors and other interested parties on a proposed revised timetable for implementation.
It is important that the pressure for greater efficiencies is maintained while the Government's review of compulsory competitive tendering takes place and prior to the broader approach to achieving effectiveness and efficiency based on best value principles being introduced. My right hon. Friend has therefore asked Welsh councils to take a positive view on the benefits of voluntary competitive tendering and to conclude properly those tendering exercises which are nearing completion.