§ Mr. Andrew MacKayasked the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the defence contracts placed in 1984–85 were placed by competition; and what steps he is taking to increase that proportion.
§ Mr. Norman LamontIn 1984–85 the proportion of work placed in a competitive environment was 46 per cent., an increase of eight percentage points on the proportion for the previous year. A further significant increase is expected in 1985–86, and indeed for the first nine months of 1985–86 the figure was well over 60 per cent., as I informed the House on 30 January at column 1184. Regarding the steps we are taking to increase that proportion, I refer the hon. Member for the answer my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Lee) gave on 30 January at column 628.