§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in what ways he furthers the Government's policy towards smaller firms through the procurement policy of his Department.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerIn its procurement the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food uses the criterion common to all Government procurement of obtaining best value for public money.
In order to help small firms the Department of Industry has issued a booklet "Tendering for Government Contracts, Advice for Small Firms" in the small firms series on 19 January 1981. This booklet is designed to give small businesses information on Government purchasing and, inter alia, identifies the main purchasing areas within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the address of the Ministry's supplies officer and refers to opportunities to supply specialised goods and equipment.