Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to reports of fraud in the letting of development contracts for Euston station by the Department for Transport to Lendlease, whether the Cabinet Office has any plans (1) to undertake an investigation, (2) to void the existing contract, and (3) to retender the development work at Euston station, in accordance with government procurement rules.

HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport do not recognise the reports of alleged ‘foul play’ in the letting of these contracts. HS2 Ltd acted as agent on behalf of Network Rail and DfT in procuring the Master Development Partner for the Euston Over-site Development. I have been assured that HS2 Ltd had in place rigorous procurement processes, which were aligned to all necessary legislation and best practice on public procurement, including in respect of the identification and management of conflicts of interest. The contracting approach and contract award were further scrutinised and approved by the department. Given this, the Department has no cause to further investigate or void the contract.