§ 113. Mr. Alportasked the Minister of Defence whether he is aware of the difficulties facing British firms tendering for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation contracts, particularly in relation to the central section pipe line project; and what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to ensure the equitable adjudication of tenders.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydI am aware of the problems which my hon. Friend has in mind.
Her Majesty's Government are considering the desirability of proposing further changes in the present approved practices and procedures for awarding Infrastructure contracts. My hon. Friend will appreciate that any such changes must be accepted by all countries concerned before they can become effective, and that in matters of this kind compromises are usually necessary in the interest of N.A.T.O. as a whole. In the meantime, Her Hajesty's Government will continue to give full support within present practices and procedures to British firms who submit tenders for Infrastructure contracts.