HL Deb 11 October 1999 vol 605 cc60-1WA
Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the latest year for which statistics are available, what share the United Kingdom achieved of public contracts (by value) in each of the other 14 European Union member states awarded as a result of tender notices published in the Official Journal by purchasing entities subject to European Union open public procurement legislation; and what share each of the other 14 European Union Member States achieved of such contracts in the United Kingdom. [HL4060]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

This information is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The European Commission has advised that it is developing improved methodologies for monitoring the progress of public procurement and that one of the areas being looked at is the size of cross border public procurement between member states.

Statistical returns on public contracts awarded by UK contracting authorities are gathered for onward transmission to the Commission. An analysis of contracts awarded during 1997 indicates that less than 3 per cent. by value were awarded to suppliers, contractors and service providers from outside the UK.