§ Mr. GorrieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to ensure that local authorities require suppliers and contractors of services to promote equality in employment and non-discrimination. [56959]
§ Mr. McLeishGood procurement practice is essential if local government is to obtain real improvements to service cost and quality under Best Value. I recognise the restrictions the Local Government Act 1988 places on local authority tendering. Legislation amending the existing provisions is likely to be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.