HC Deb 04 April 1978 vol 947 c111W
31. Sir Anthony Royle

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he will take if a British company refuses to agree with the new condition relating to pay policy on Government contracts and the only competitor is a foreign firm; if the order will be placed with that foreign firm irrespective of price; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Joel Barnett

As my right hon. Friend made clear in the debate on 13th February 1978—[Vol. 944, col. 56.]—the Government will make a proper appreciation of all the considerations that are relevant in determining whether to award contracts. But no firm should assume that it can automatically refuse with impunity to sign the new contracts clauses relating to pay policy simply because the only competitor is a foreign firm.