Mr. W. E. Garrettasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the purchase of five computer numerically controlled Japanese lathes by the Department of Manpower Services for use in Northern Ireland was made by open tender.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerYes. The purchase was made by open tender following advertisements placed in the EEC journal and newspapers in Northern Ireland in October 1981. On 4 November all firms which expressed an interest, together with all relevant manufacturers and suppliers listed by the Department of Industry, were issued with invitations to supply quotations.