§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Defence what organisational changes he has made in order to cope with the new open tendering system; and (a) how many extra staff have been taken on to cope with tendering procedures and (b) what new departments or sections have been established to handle tendering.
§ Mr. ButlerThe Department's policy of opening defence requirements to as many companies as possible has not led to any changes in organisation. No additional staff have been recruited for this purpose, nor have any new departments or sections been established.