§ 36. Mr. David Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions he had issued by 6th November to those responsible for procurement for defence needs to ensure that an increasing proportion of private sector procurement is obtained from small firms.
§ Dr. GilbertSmall firms already make a vital contribution in meeting the needs of the Services, both directly as contractors and in subcontracting for larger firms. I do not think it would be appropriate to specify that a particular proportion of those needs should be met by small firms.