Written question asked by Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Myners (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 June 2009.

Public Sector: Contracts

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what appeals are available to local service providers who consider that they have been unfairly excluded by large-scale providers who are successful in bidding for public service contracts.

Answer: Government do not operate an appeals or mediation process for disputes between prime and sub-contractors. Work is currently under way to implement the recommendations from the Glover Advisory Committee report, Accelerating the SME economic engine: through transparent, simple and strategic procurement, published in 2008. This work includes a project to encourage prime contractors to advertise sub-contracting opportunities as early as possible and also to ensure small businesses and other firms acting as sub-contractors obtain contract conditions, for example promptness of payment, that are comparable to those applied to the prime contractor. Where suppliers feel they have been unfairly treated during a public procurement exercise they can contact the OGC Supplier Feedback Service via the OGC website at www.ogc.gov.uk/procurement_policy_and_ practice_ogc_supplier_feedback_service.asp).

Secondary information