§ Mr. Normantonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department since when it has been the practice for the Prison Department to purchase raw materials from suppliers who are subsidised by their own governments.
§ Mr. CarlisleThe Prison Department purchases supplies only from United Kingdom contractors and like other customers is not necessarily aware of their original source or the source of the raw materials from which they are made.
§ Mr. Normantonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what quantity of Portuguese or other imported cotton yarns is being purchased by the Prison Department.
§ Mr. CarlisleNo Portuguese cotton yarns are being purchased. Over 96 per cent. of the cotton yarns currently being purchased come from United Kingdom spinners; the remaining 50,000 lb. originates in Pakistan.
§ Mr. Normantonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions are given to the Prison Department regarding the source of supply of textile yarns and materials used for processing in Her Majesty's Prisons.
§ Mr. CarlisleThe Prison Department follows normal Government practices for purchasing by competitive tender which do not regulate the sources of supply.