Published: Thursday, 25th March, 2010 6:50am

Government assurances over new Forth crossing

WEST Fife MSPs have called in parliament for local businesses and workers to benefit from the construction of the new Forth road bridge.

Labour's John Park asked for an update on the procurement process for the massive project from cabinet secretary John Swinney who replied, "We remain on track subject to parliamentary approval to award the principal contract in spring 2011 and complete the project by 2016."

Mr Park responded, "Like me, I am sure that the cabinet secretary hopes that the replacement Forth crossing will be a legacy in terms of not just infrastructure but employment and training.

"Is he in a position to give a cast-iron guarantee that community benefit clauses will be part of the procurement process for the future Forth crossing, which will hopefully provide wider benefits in terms of training and apprenticeship opportunities for local people and opportunities for supply-chain companies to benefit as well?"

Mr Swinney said, "The question of community benefit clauses is very important.

"I certainly would want to give Mr Park the assurance that that will be a central part of what the Government takes forward as part of the procurement exercise on the Forth replacement crossing."

He added, "Certainly, as we have been able to achieve in a range of different infrastructure contracts around the country we would be looking for new opportunities for apprenticeships to be achieved as part of the procurement activity that is under way.

"That certainly will be uppermost in the mind of the Government as part of the procurement process for the Forth replacement crossing."

Lib Dem Jim Tolson asked, "Will the minister encourage main contractors to consider using local suppliers to help Scotland's small and medium-sized businesses to survive and grow as well as to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction projects?"

Mr Swinney said, "I have a great deal of sympathy with the point that Mr Tolson has raised.

"Indeed, in its approach to procurement, the Government has tried to increase the opportunities and avenues for small companies to be able to tender for public sector activity.

"One of the most effective ways in which we have done that is through the establishment of Public Contracts Scotland, which is a web portal system that enables local suppliers to register their interest in whatever speciality or trade skill they are involved in, whether it is construction, joinery or whatever.

"Government contracts are advertised in an easy-to-access portal so there is an increased opportunity for small companies to access that contract base."