HL Deb 09 January 1996 vol 568 cc17-8WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider it appropriate for a United States firm, viz. H. Silver and Associates (UK) Ltd, to advise United Kingdom firms on how to deal with the Ministry of Defence; and whether any former United Kingdom officials are working with this firm.

Earl Howe

The question of whether United Kingdom firms interested in dealing with the Ministry of Defence decide to employ advisers, American or otherwise, is a matter of commercial judgment for the company in question. The Ministry of Defence provides, free of charge, a range of information and advice on its procurement practices to companies who request it.

On the question of whether former United Kingdom officials are working with H. Silver and Associates (UK) Ltd, I can say that our records show that no Ministry of Defence official who has sought approval under the Business Appointment rules has indicated an interest in joining this company in the past three years.