§ Mrs. Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what general instruction is issued to the departments and hospital boards under his control in order to ensure that no purchases are made out-with Scotland of goods produced and available at a reasonable price and quality in Scotland.
§ Mr. Ross:I expect Scottish suppliers to be given the opportunity to tender wherever possible, but thereafter the selection of suppliers depends upon comparisons of price, quality and delivery dates. Hospital boards have been asked to give preference when these considerations are equal to firms in development areas, in accordance with the Contracts Preference Scheme observed by all Government purchasing departments.