§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish a statement giving details of his Department's policy regarding the award of defence contracts to small businesses; and what is his definition of a small business.
§ Mr. PymThe size of the firm concerned is not a criterion in the award of defence contracts. Our aim is to secure value for money, and firms of all sizes currently hold contracts.
§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many contracts his Department has awarded to small businesses in the years 1974 to 1980.
§ Mr. PymIn placing contracts with firms my Department does not discriminate on grounds of size as such. I regret, therefore, that the information requested by my hon. Friend is not readily available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.