§ 56. Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has further to increase the small value order limit and to simplify procedures for small firms to tender for Government contracts.
§ Mr. ButcherMy hon. Friend announced on 24 January the standardisation of financial and general information which Government Departments require from suppliers. We are now examining the scope for standardising the technical information. The value limit on contracts for which suppliers to most Government Departments are exempt from normal approval procedures was raised to £5,000 in February last year, and we are continuing to work towards simpler procedures whenever practicable without sacrificing value for money.