§ Mr. HuttonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what was the annual value of defence procurement contracts placed into small and medium-sized enterprises since 1979 expressed in constant 1994 prices;
(2) what percentage of defence procurement contracts were placed by his Department with small and medium sized enterprises in each year since 1979.
§ Mr. AitkenI regret that the information could be made available only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. HuttonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department intends to take to increase the number of defence procurement contracts placed into small and medium-sized enterprises; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenOur aim in placing contracts is to secure best value for money for the defence budget. My Department's defence suppliers service has a specific remit to advise smaller firms on how to sell their products and services to the MOD.