§ 14. Sir G. Sinclairasked the Minister of Overseas Development how many feasibility studies have been financed by his Department in 1966 and 1967; what was the cost to Her Majesty's Government; and how many British and foreign firms, respectively, received contracts as a result of these studies.
§ Mr. PrenticeIn 1966, 16 feasibility studies were commissioned by the Ministry of Overseas Development at a cost to Her Majesty's Government of £128,400. In 1967, 28 studies were commissioned. The cost to the British Government was £291,500.
As at 1st February this year, 15 of these studies had not been completed. 1736 Decisions of the overseas Governments or other authorities in relation to the studies that have been completed have not yet been communicated to me.
§ Sir G. SinclairWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is satisfied that action of this nature has put our overseas firms on equal competitive terms with the firms of other competing countries which rely on consultants often sponsored by themselves?
§ Mr. PrenticeWe now normally require an assurance that any project carried out in accordance with the recommendations of one of these feasibility reports will not be financed in such a way that British companies can be precluded from tendering. I think that that gives the hon. Gentleman the kind of assurance that he wants. I think that, generally, these feasibility studies are helpful to British trade as well as being helpful to the countries in which they take place.