§ Ms CoffeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the value of equipment procured from single prime contractors has been directed supply in the last five years; and which United Kingdom technologies have been protected and enhanced as a result. [29863]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotInformation of this nature is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
§ Ms CoffeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on directed supply of systems and sub-systems when equipment is procured from a single prime contractor. [29862]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotMy Department's policy is that, wherever possible, requirement specifications are written in such a way that prime contractors are given the freedom to nominate and select the sub-contractors of their choice. There will, however, from time to time, be situations where suitable equipment is available only from a single source. Obviously, in this case, only that supplier will be able to meet the requirement but the prime contractor will still be responsible for managing the sub-contract.