§ Mr. Edelmanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek powers to ensure that, in hybrid companies sustained by Government in-investments under the Industry Act or otherwise, an open purchasing policy is maintained so that neither private shareholders nor subsidiaries of the participating company or companies obtain
149Wpreferential treatment in the placing of contracts.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanNo. The normal obligations of the directors of such companies require them to operate purchasing policies primarily based on proper commercial considerations.