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2,386 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDIndependent Adviser on Ministers’ InterestsMy Lords, my noble friend makes interesting suggestions, as he always does. The recent changes have potentially very much strengthened the role of the independent adviser. On the…16 Jun 2022HANSARDPublic Procurement (International Trade Agreements) (Amendment) Regulations 2022My Lords, I thank those who have spoken, including the noble Lord opposite; I nearly always say “my noble friend opposite”. I also looked at the proceedings in another place, but…15 Jun 2022HANSARDPublic Procurement (International Trade Agreements) (Amendment) Regulations 2022My Lords, the instrument brought forward today will give legal effect in domestic regulations to the United Kingdom’s procurement obligations under the free trade agreement…15 Jun 2022HANSARDPublic Procurement (International Trade Agreements) (Amendment) Regulations 2022That the Grand Committee do consider the Public Procurement (International Trade Agreements) (Amendment) Regulations 2022.15 Jun 2022HANSARDBain & Company: Public Sector ContractsMy Lords, we are not paying taxpayers’ money to this specific company. I have said to the noble Lord that I greatly respect the way in which he has been pursuing this; it has been…13 Jun 2022HANSARDBain & Company: Public Sector ContractsMy Lords, I am advised that there is not a current contract with central government. If I am incorrect, I will correct that. I am aware of one live contract that Bain has with an…13 Jun 2022HANSARDBain & Company: Public Sector ContractsI note what the noble Viscount says, but the Cabinet Office review into this specific company will conclude within weeks. We will have discussions on this in the Procurement Bill,…13 Jun 2022HANSARDBain & Company: Public Sector ContractsMy Lords, I am not familiar with the specific case that the noble Baroness raises. I will seek information and write to her in response.13 Jun 2022HANSARDBain & Company: Public Sector ContractsMy Lords, there are two aspects there. I have answered on the progress so far of the Cabinet Office review of the case following the Zondo commission. As far as the Procurement…13 Jun 2022HANSARDBain & Company: Public Sector ContractsMy Lords, there is a further Zondo commission report to be issued, I believe, later this month and there are grounds for due process. We have engaged with the company, as was set…13 Jun 2022HANSARDBain & Company: Public Sector ContractsMy Lords, I just gave the House the current position as far as the company is concerned. As long-standing friends of South Africa, the Government will continue to engage South…13 Jun 2022HANSARDBain & Company: Public Sector ContractsMy Lords, I pay tribute to the noble Lord for his pursuit of this matter and accept that it is important. The company concerned is not a strategic supplier to the Government and…13 Jun 2022HANSARDBain & Company: Public Sector ContractsMy Lords, individual departments and other public sector bodies are responsible for their own decisions in these matters but, at the Prime Minister’s request and against the…13 Jun 2022HANSARDUpholding Standards in Public LifeMy Lords, I am at the disposal of your Lordships’ House but, as the noble Viscount will understand, matters on debates are for the usual channels. Should such a debate be…08 Jun 2022HANSARDUpholding Standards in Public LifeNo, my Lords, I do not agree. I can speak only as I find. Having the honour to serve as a Minister in Her Majesty’s Government, I have the privilege of working day by day with…08 Jun 2022HANSARDUpholding Standards in Public LifeMy Lords, I am not aware of any reluctance, but I will certainly note the noble Lord’s comments and take those to the appropriate quarter.08 Jun 2022HANSARDUpholding Standards in Public LifeMy Lords, I do not wish to extend the tread into history, but certainly Margaret Thatcher was also a great example of integrity.08 Jun 2022HANSARDUpholding Standards in Public LifeMy Lords, in making the changes I have referred to, the Government carefully considered the recommendations made by the committee on those matters in the Upholding Standards in…08 Jun 2022HANSARDUpholding Standards in Public LifeI strongly agree with what my noble friend has said. Of course, the issue of trust runs much wider, as he says, than individuals. We in your Lordships’ House were given a great…08 Jun 2022HANSARDUpholding Standards in Public LifeMy Lords, it is always dangerous to specify any date in your Lordships’ House. What I will say is that I personally—as do many people across the Government; in fact, the whole…08 Jun 2022