HC Deb 03 February 1975 vol 885 c425W
Mr. Frank R. White

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the total value of textile goods purchased by his Department during the past 12 months.

Mr. Ennals

Expenditure by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the purchase of textile goods in the United Kingdom during the calendar year 1974 was £29,945. Figures for local purchases by Her Majesty's diplomatic missions overseas are not readily available.

Mr. Frank R. White

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of textile goods, over the last 12 months, has been purchased from British manufacturers by his Department.

Mr. Ennals

During 1974, 68 per cent. of the textile goods purchased by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the United Kingdom were obtained direct from British manufacturers. The balance was obtained either from other Government Departments or the Post Office. It is not possible to state what percentage of textile goods purchased locally by Her Majesty's diplomatic missions overseas was obtained from British manufacturers.

Mr. Frank R. White

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will instruct his Department to purchase all future textile requirements from British manufacturers.

Mr. Ennals

This is already done in the United Kingdom. As for Her Majesty's diplomatic missions abroad, this is impracticable. A very small volume of purchases is involved and they are normally made on an emergency basis only.