§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of textiles purchased by her Department is British manufactured at all stages of production.
§ Dr. OwenNo textiles are purchased by the Department.
Information about the place of manufacture of textiles purchased by health 550W authorities is not available, but health authorities have been advised to ensure that contract documents include a "country of origin" clause and to ensure that when awarding contracts on a value for money basis these origins are considered together with quality, durability, speed and continuity of delivery, convenience of production inspections and quality control and the conditions under which the goods are produced.