TAX AVOIDANCE AND GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS

That this House notes with concern continuing reports that companies which have substantial contracts with Government departments are engaging in tax avoidance schemes; congratulates the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on his announcement to the Liberal Democrat Party Conference in autumn 2012 that he would commission HM Treasury to work with the Cabinet Office to look at how procurement rules can be changed to make sure the Government does not contract with companies which engage in tax avoidance; and calls on the Government to bring forward measures at the next available opportunity so that the substantial power of Government spending can be used to protect the Government's revenue.