HC Deb 06 November 1970 vol 805 cc482-3W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if consortia arrangements to share the European markets for products required for the aircraft industry so that competition both national and international is eliminated have to have his approval before tenders for Government work may be considered.

Mr. Ridley

Such arrangements would not require Ministerial approval, but most kinds of restrictive agreement relating to the supply of goods in this country, to which two or more United Kingdom firms are party, are a matter for the Restrictive Practices Court. So far as Government tenders are concerned, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation Supply is responsible for ensuring that the Government obtains value for money.