§ Mr. Neville Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence why his Department purchased files and rasps made in India rather than in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. GoodhartThe purchase from a major United Kingdom company of files and rasps manufactured in India was made on the basis of best value for money. The decision to invite contractors who import files to tender for defence requirements was taken about 15 years ago when difficulties were experienced in obtaining adequate supplies from United Kingdom manufacturers. Since then, defence needs have been largely—but by no means wholly—met by imports from India on a simple best-value-for-money basis.