Playing by the rules

IWAS disappointed to read Athena’s comments regarding Kelmscott Manor (below, March 8). As a standard condition of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant, the Society of Antiquaries of London must comply with EU procurement rules as set out in the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. In addition, statutory Government guidance requires that the Government’s own form of selection questionnaire must be used and that there must be no deviation from the wording. If the society failed to comply with the regulations or guidance, it would risk legal challenges from bidders and withdrawal of the HLF grant. The ‘jargon’ that Athena complains about is unavoidable. John S.C. Lewis, FSA, General Secretary, Society of Antiquaries of London