§ Mr. Marplesasked the Minister of Public Building and works, following the recommendations in the report on the 560W procurement methods in use at Marks and Spencer Limited, what products have been purchased by his Department on an experimental basis and what are the 561W departures from the conventions of competition and formal contracting involved; and in the absence of a formal contract what form of agreement is being entered into with the selected suppliers.
§ Mr. John SilkinAgreement has been reached to purchase steel lockers on this experimental basis. The firm who has been most successful in obtaining contracts for these items in the past was selected without competitive tendering. Prices have been negotiated on the basis of the last competitive tenders but taking account of recent increases in labour and material costs. The agreement will permit flexibility in adjusting specifications, production and price.
It is expected that further experiments will start shortly.