Complainer's new Holyrood move as EU drops case
13 Oct 06
Writer David Black pressing for fraud inquiry
The European Commission confirmed yesterday that it has dropped its inquiry into the awarding of contracts for the building of the Scottish Parliament.
However David Black, the architectural writer whose complaint about the contracts led to the inquiry, is to consult with lawyers about the possibility of forcing OLAF, the European anti-fraud office, to investigate the EC's decision.
Mr Black feels the issue of the legality of the contracts has not yet been resolved.
The Commission's 18-month investigation has been dropped despite an admission by the Scottish Executive that the tendering process was not carried out in a way that was consistent with EU competition law.
Finance Minister Tom McCabe said mistakes had been made at the time of the Holyrood project, but that new procedures had been put in place to improve the procurement process.