HC Deb 31 March 1981 vol 2 cc52-3W
Mr. Grylls

asked the Lord Privy Seal in what ways he furthers the Government's policy towards smaller firms through the procurement policy of his Department.

Mr. Hurd

In its procurement policy the Foreign and Commonwealth Office uses the criterion common to all Government Departments, of obtaining the best value for public money. The essential criterion in choosing firms for making purchases, whether by tender or not, is their ability regardless of size to meet requirements as to specification, prices and delivery time.