HC Deb 21 July 1966 vol 732 c861
01. Mr. Dickens

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider setting up a central purchasing agency for the public sector of the economy.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

I know of the proposal to which my hon. Friend refers, which is being examined. I have yet, however, to be convinced that its advantages outweigh its disadvantages as compared with the present arrangements for co-ordination.

Mr. Dickens

While I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I draw his attention to the fact that a central purchasing agency could play a vital part in mobilising purchasing power in the public sector? Is he further aware that, in view of yesterday's statement, many hon. Members on this side of the House regard this as a vital and urgent matter?

The Prime Minister

As my hon. Friend will be aware, there is already central purchasing for very many items which the Government buys. To take one example, there is the Ministry of Technology, which now organises the whole of computer purchases on behalf of the Government as well as, more widely, for the public sector. An interdepartmental co-ordinating committee also exists to standardise, as far as possible, Government requirements in a way to help technological advance.