§ Mr. Gorstasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in considering placing major orders for teleprinters, he will bear in mind the effect placing orders outside the United Kingdom would have upon British companies marketing similar equipment; and examine whether tenders received from foreign companies represent loss-leading attempts to gain entry to the British market via a Government Department.
§ Mr. DeanThe arrangements for procurement of teleprinter equipment for use with Government computers are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Civil Service. For the equipment my Department is currently intending to acquire, the customary regime of competitive tendering including at least one firm supplying equipment manufactured in the United Kingdom has been adopted. The contract will be awarded on merit in the light of consideration, during tender evaluation, of all relevant factors.