§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether the continuation of the single tender policy for large computers is to be reviewed in the light of the fact that the National Enterprise Board's shares in ICL Ltd. have now been sold.
§ Mr. ChannonThe single tender policy complements the support given by successive Governments to the development of ICL's product range and is not dependent on the public ownership of a shareholding in the company. The sale of these shares does not, therefore, by itself call for any review of the single tender policy.
§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Minister for the Civil Service when he expects to complete his examination of the consequences for the domestic computer industry of the European Economic Community supplies directive and the procurement code of the parties to the general agreement on tariffs and trade.
§ Mr. ChannonI cannot at this stage predict when the Government's examination will be complete.