§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Industry if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to secure a greater share of public procurement for smaller firms.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe Government consider that public contracts should be obtained on merit irrespective of company size. However, small firms can face particular difficulties in seeking Government and other public sector business. I am concerned that such problems should be eliminated wherever possible and we are examining the procedures to try to ensure that small firms are afforded every opportunity to tender for appropriate work.