§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria he employs for determining whether a firm can become an assessed contractor on the Ministry of Defence list; and whether they are subject to frequent review.
§ Mr. PattieFirms are assessed if a requirement is foreseen for using their capacity for direct MOD work needing a defence standard. Assessment includes a technical appraisal of the firm's ability to meet these standards of quality. Assessments are reviewed every three years or earlier if necessary. A new independent scheme of quality assessment for firms in the defence subcontracting area, to be administered by the British Standards Institution, is to be established. The scheme, based on British Standard 5750, will be recognised by the Ministry of Defence.