§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why it was decided to purchase timber-built homes for the Falkland Islands from a Scandinavian company; and whether he will ensure that future orders for timber-framed houses are obtained from British manufacturers.
§ Mr. Neil MartenThe company selected to undertake the contract for the supply and erection of houses in the Falkland Islands is a British one, buying prefabricated units from a Swedish supplier. It was chosen after careful and thorough evaluation of tenders submitted by 10 companies. Of those tenders which were within the specifications laid down, the successful one was adjudged to offer houses of the most suitable design.
In normal circumstances, contracts awarded under the aid programme are confined to British suppliers.