Elspeth Grant, TripleAConsult
09/04/2009 - MPs call for purchasing minister, Jake Kanter, Supply Management
"A post of procurement minister should be created to improve government spending and help the British economy, according to a group of MPs.
One of the parliamentarians said a procurement minister could also combat "financial terrorism".
An Early Day Motion (EDM) tabled in the Commons by Labour MP Lindsay Hoyle on 9 February claimed the post would support British industry during the economic downturn.
The EDM said: "This house recognises the importance of using procurement policy to support British industry and business; recognises that government procurement can be used as a catalyst for many sectors of the economy, particularly at a time of economic downturn; acknowledges the need for a co-ordinated approach to procurement across government departments in order to maximise the potential benefits to UK business and industry; and calls for the creation of a ministerial post with direct responsibility for all government procurement."
An amendment by Dai Davies, independent MP for Blaenau Gwent, added that the minister should also promote sustainability across public sector buying."
