HC Deb 15 June 1965 vol 714 cc215-6
2. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Technology to what extent he takes competitive prices into account when allocating contracts.

The Minister of Technology (Mr. Frank Cousins)

Except in the case of small purchases where it would not be economical to do so, my Department, in accordance with normal Government practice, seeks competitive tenders wherever practicable. In addition to price, the ability to meet the required technical specification and delivery date are important factors in awarding contracts.

Mr. Hastings

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the House will welcome this prudent approach, but would he not agree that a Minister's Departmental policy towards costs and prices cannot be readily divorced from his view of the Government's general policy in the same regard? Will he, therefore, take this opportunity—which he should surely welcome—to make his own position in this respect entirely clear? Does he stand by the Government's incomes policy, or does he support the views of the Transport and General Workers' Union?

Mr. Speaker

That question is out of order.