§ Mr. David Youngasked the Prime Minister what assessment she has made of the effect of her guidance to Government Departments that, where all other matters are equal, they should buy British; and if she can give examples where British goods have been bought in preference to foreign goods in such circumstances.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is the Government's policy to buy British goods whenever they are competitively priced and well made. This policy has been effective. In 1981, Government Departments purchased 96 per cent. of the goods and services they required from British firms. I hope that this figure will increase further, as British suppliers improve their competitiveness.