§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they will make to the Internal Market Council of the European Union on 21 May when it considers new European Union public procurement rules. [HL4408]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)The Government believe that the proposals for amending the EC public procurement rules, which were agreed at the Internal Market Council on 21 May, are consistent with our objectives of simplifying, clarifying and updating the existing EC directives. They will open markets without imposing unnecessary burdens or constraints and will, in particular, be helpful in clarifying the scope to enter into dialogue with tenderers and to make use of electronic systems and framework agreement.