Conservatives promise to publish details of Government contracts

The Conservatives will publish all Government contracts with a value of over £25,000 with just a few exceptions (such as threats to national security), if the Party wins this year’s General Election. David Cameron, the Conservative leader, has accused the Government of secrecy and inefficiency. In a statement that will send shivers through businesses that supply the Government, he believes that transparency of contracts will enable competitors to compete better, which will lead to greater efficiencies. The policy would come into effect from 1 January 2011. The Party also wants to ensure that no ICT project would be commissioned unless it is properly investigated whether it can be done well for free or at low cost.