HC Deb 17 July 1969 vol 787 c180W
Mr. Marples

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of contracts, by value and by number, is placed by the Government as a result of specifying purpose and performance required, rather than detailed specification of the product used; how many staff, by number and grades, are allotted full-time to securing additions to this list; and by what yardstick their performance of this task is judged.

Mr. Taverne

The possibility of helping potential suppliers by enabling them to put forward ideas on how Government supply needs might b met is continuously borne in mind by all purchasing Departments. Various means—including the circulation of early drafts of new requirements and consultation before finalisation of equipment needs—are adopted where appropriate in addition to specification of purpose and performance. It is not possible without disproportionate expense to identify all resultant contracts, or the staff effort involved.