§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what guidance is given to small firms on the opportunities to do business with the Government; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CopeThis Department has made considerable efforts to open up Government contracts to small firms.334W We publish a summary booklet, "Tendering for Government Contracts", which gives broad guidance on what the various Government Departments seek to buy and the names and addresses of the relevant contacts. This information is also on Prestel. Departments, including the Ministry of Defence and our Department, also publish booklets providing more specific information on the purchasing opportunities within their Departments. Fuller information can be obtained through the small firms service by telephoning Freefone Enterprise.