§ Mr. DevlinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what were his Department's(a) best and (b) worst purchases made in the current month as measured against the Government's supply index;
(2) what were the 10 worst purchases made by his Department in the month of October as measured against the Government's supply index.
§ Mr. HeseltineMy Department devotes considerable attention to its purchasing policy. It purchases a wide range of goods and services, which is only partly covered by the Government supply index. Where possible, note is taken of the prices obtained by other Departments, but potential suppliers are assessed against a number of other factors also, in order to obtain best value for money and take full account of environmental considerations. In the case of large or long-term contracts formal tendering procedures are followed. A great many current purchases are made at advantageous rates under long-term or call-off contracts negotiated some time ago. It is therefore not possible to make a meaningful comparison of present prices within the GSI against those obtained by the Department's purchasing procedures.
§ Mr. DevlinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the purchasing policy of his Department.
§ Mr. HeseltineThe Government's policy is that purchasers should base all procurement of goods and services on value for money, including quality, fitness for purpose and delivery against price. In accordance with that policy, goods and services are acquired by competition unless there are convincing reasons to the contrary. Under EC rules, and the GATT Government procurement agreement where appropriate, my Department is obliged to award relevant contracts in accordance with prescribed procedures aimed at avoiding discrimination on grounds of nationality.