§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current24W position of the Overseas Development Administration on the supply of four-wheel drive vehicles to overseas non-governmental organisations; and if priority is given to British products.
§ Mr. BaldryWe undertake procurement in accordance with aid tying rules agreed with the DTI under which we look to United Kingdom supply sources wherever possible. These rules apply no differently to four-wheel drive vehicles than to any other equipment provided as part of the aid programme. However, our prime concern is to ensure that our programmes, whether operated by ourselves or by NGOs on our behalf, have satisfactory equipment with which to undertake their work where and when they need it.