To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the standard terms and conditions of purchase used by his Department in the procurement of goods and services from the private sector prohibit the assignment of debt. (172431)

NIO Procurement Unit standard terms and conditions do not contain an express provision prohibiting the assignment of debt. However, there is a provision which states that the contractor shall not transfer or assign the contract or part thereof and shall not sub-contract any part of the provision of the services without the prior written consent of the Department.