AWARD OF BUSINESS LINK SERVICE CONTRACT FOR THE HUMBER REGION TO A4E BY THE SMALL BUSINESS SERVICE

Early day motion 169, tabled 9 January 2001 by Kevin McNamara (Labour). Signed by 15 members.

That this House is concerned that the Small Business Service has accepted the proposals to deliver Business Link services in the Humber region submitted by A4E which contained serious misrepresentations and failures to meet the bidding guidance published by SBS; notes the complete lack of confidence held by the local business community and delivery agencies, including the four unitary authorities, in the ability of A4E to deliver a quality Business Link service; and accordingly urges Ministers to urgently examine the procedures followed by SBS and the representations made by A4E and to reconsider all the qualifying bids in the light of the information now available.

Signatures by party: Labour 13, Conservative 2.