Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Emergency Procurement Powers

Thursday 25 November 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government procurement rules allow for rapid procurement in emergencies during the pandemic
  • The National Audit Office found no evidence of misuse of emergency procurement powers
  • Regulation 32 powers' use peaked in April-June 2020 and has since reduced by more than two thirds

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
Economy
Context

The use of emergency procurement powers has been a contentious issue, with concerns raised about their misuse and inefficiency in delivering effective supplies.

Question

When does the government plan to end the use of emergency procurement powers during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Michael Ellis

Existing procurement rules allow the Government to procure at speed in emergencies. The process was justified at the start of the pandemic and further guidance has been issued since then. Transforming Public Procurement Green Paper proposals aim to update rules for extreme emergencies, with a response to consultation expected shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific timeline for ending emergency procurement powers was not provided.

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Q2 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
NHS Standards & Ethics
Context

There are concerns that the use of emergency procurement powers has been unjustified for over 20 months, with contracts going to political allies and unusable equipment being procured.

Question

The use of emergency procurement powers during the pandemic has led to multiple contracts awarded to Tory friends and donors, and hundreds of millions wasted on unusable supplies. With 8 months since the consultation closed, when will the government end the use of these measures?

Answer from Michael Ellis

I reject the hon. Lady's characterisation; the National Audit Office found no evidence of misuse. Emergency procurement is crucial in saving lives during emergencies, with rules allowing quick action. Regulation 32 powers' use peaked in April-June 2020 and has since reduced by more than two thirds from April to September 2021 compared to the same period last year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific timeline for ending emergency procurement measures was not provided.

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