§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a statement on the Government's preferential procurement policy for computers and on the guidance given to the public sector in general.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisThe arrangements under which computers are currently purchased for central Government use were set out in my reply to my hon. 9W Friend the Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Dean) on 27 July 1977—[Vol. 936, c. 227–8]. This policy is followed also in respect of the universities and research councils and the National Health Service. The nationalised industries and local authorities, who determine their own course of action in these matters, have been asked to take account of Government policy when considering the purchase of computer equipment.