§ Lord Dixon-Smithasked Her Majesty's Government:
What impact the ruling by the European Commission in Brussels that "preferred bidder" status should not be awarded until a full and open tender process has been completed will have on the private finance initiative process. [HL391]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe Commission has not made a "ruling" in this respect but has made proposals for revising the EC public procurement directives. The proposals are the subject of continuing discussions in the Council and the European Parliament and the Government are optimistic that the final version will make express provision for best practice in the award of PFI and other major contracts.