§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the operation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation international competitive bidding procedures so far as concerns the acquisition of defence equipment of British manufacture; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieNATO international competitive bidding procedures afford British firms the opportunity to compete for contracts funded from the common infrastructure programme in any member country. Equally, foreign firms may bid for such contracts in Britain. The principal features are the establishment of technical and contractual compliance following the submission of tenders and subsequently the awarding of the contract to the firm offering the lowest price.
Although some changes of detail are currently under consideration, the procedures are adequate for their purpose and ensure that fair treatment is given to all bidders. But the composition and pricing of bids is a matter for individual companies.