HC Deb 31 July 1972 vol 842 c54W
Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will now reply to the recommendation of the Select Committee on Science and Technology about the practice of awarding single-tender contracts in the United Kingdom computer industry: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

As indicated to the House by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industrial Development on 3rd July, the Government intend that the existing policy for Government computer purchasing should continue for the present. This includes single tendering for certain computers.

Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many Government contracts for administrative and general purpose computers have now been awarded to International Computers Limited on a non-competitive single-tender basis since April, 1971; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

Twenty-one Government contracts have been awarded for computers for administrative and general purpose systems between 1st April, 1971, and 30th June, 1972. Of these 15 have been awarded to ICL on a single tender basis.