§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Prime Minister if she will clarify the procurement rules for the publicly-financed purchase of sophisticated internationally competitive high technology products; what consideration she has given to the Swansea computer order in this context; and if she has decided to place the order with International Computers Ltd. on a single tender basis.
§ The Prime MinisterSince 1 January 1981 the procurement of computers by central Government, and some other parts of the public sector, has been subject to the GATT code on Government procurement and the European Community's supplies directives. With certain exceptions, supplies contracts falling within the scope of these regulations are awarded only after international competition. Ministers will be considering the procurement of replacement computers for DVLC Swansea against this background, but no decision has yet been taken.