§ Miss Boothroydasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to promote a preferential purchasing policy by central and local government towards British-produced products.
§ Mr. KingAn indiscriminate policy of buying British regardless of value for money would not be in the best interests of British industry and would conflict with our international obligations. It is our policy, however, to ensure that public procurement is used more effectively to enhance British industry's competitiveness. We are most concerned that purchasers in the public sector and elsewhere will buy British wherever possible.