§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to increase the level of his Department's expenditure in Wales.
§ Mr. MasonThe primary object of Government purchasing is to obtain what is needed at the right time and in such a way as to secure the best value for money spent. In pursuance of this policy defence contracts are placed on the merits of firms' tenders, whether by competition or otherwise. Firms in Wales are invited to tender wherever possible, and those in the Welsh Development Area will receive the same preference as firms in all other such areas.