To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what (a) procedure and (b) criteria were used to add suppliers to the list of electronic auction framework agreements by the Office of Government Commerce; and what recent assessment his Department has made of the developing market in intellectual copyright related to electronic auctions. (86020)

The electronic reverse auctions framework agreements were awarded in accordance with the restricted procedure as set out in the EC procurement directives, using the “most economically advantageous tender” criterion.

No suppliers have been added to the list of those awarded electronic auction framework agreements. No recent assessments have been made of the market for intellectual property rights in the functionality of software that enables reverse auction services.