§ Mr. Andrew MitchellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it Government policy not to(a) employ and (b) award contracts to a financial institution which uses offshore arrangements intended to avoid employers' national insurance liabilities, or has done so in the last three years. [R] [87712]
§ Mr. BoatengIndividual Government Departments are responsible for taking decisions on the goods and services they acquire—and from whom they acquire them—taking account of the Government's procurement policy of seeking value for money for the taxpayer. Under Regulation 14 (1)(f) and (g) of the Public Works, Services and Supply Contracts Regulations (SIs: 1991/2680, 1993/3228 and 1995/201 respectively), Departments may reject any potential supplier who has not fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of social security contributions or of taxes under the law of the UK and, where relevant, of another member state. This provision is not time limited.