§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much was spent on food by his Department and by each of the agencies for which it is responsible in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; what proportion of that food by value was produced in the United Kingdom; what guidance he has issued to encourage the procurement of home-produced food; and if he will make a statement. [129371]
§ Mr. RammellThe Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) expenditure on food consumed in the UK in 2002–03 amounted to approximately £550,000. Information about 2001–02 expenditure and the proportion of food produced in the UK could only be provided at disproportionate cost. It is only in 2002–03 that we have started to centrally compile this data.
FCO purchasing policy is to buy goods and services on the basis of value for money and through competition unless there are compelling reasons to the contrary. We are currently reviewing our arrangements for buying food for UK consumption as part of a review of public sector food procurement which is being led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. That review will include examination of whether UK and small producers are being given a proper chance to win contracts.