§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what way he furthers the Government's policy towards smaller firms through the procurement policy of his Department.
§ Dr. VaughanI am acutely aware of the need to help small firms. The Department maintains a close and constructive relationship with companies that supply the NHS—most of which are small firms—and with their trade associations. We do all we can to help them in selling to the NHS and abroad and in developing new products. I know that the Supply Council, which is responsible for procurement policy in the NHS, is wholeheartedly behind the Government's policy of using purchasing power in the public sector to enhance the competitiveness of British industry.