§ Mr. Elysian Morganasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give an undertaking that he will encourage Departments under his control whenever possible to place orders with firms in development areas even where slightly cheaper tenders have been forwarded from firms outside such areas.
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§ Mr. Anthony GrantNo. Purchasing departments are required to obtain best value for public money. Preference is, however, given to development area firms where possible when price, quality and other factors are equal.