Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 1 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 May 2003. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 May 2003 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the Answer of 20th April 2003, 404 c106W, on Iraq (Reconstruction), what the process for decisions on awarding contracts to companies for the reconstruction off Iraq is; who makes the final decision; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the answer of 20 April 2003, Official Report, column 106W, on Iraq (Reconstruction), what the process for decisions on awarding contracts to companies for the reconstruction of Iraq is; who makes the final decision; and if she will make a statement. [112126] Ms Hewitt: In the short-term US funded contracts are likely to be the main source of opportunities for UK companies looking to get involved in the redevelopment process in Iraq. Under US law, only US companies can be awarded primary contracts. However, the law has been relaxed to allow UK companies to bid for sub- contracts. It will be for the prime contractors to decide on the awarding of sub-contracts. We will continue to work with companies to ensure that they are as best placed as possible to participate in the redevelopment process.

Secondary information