§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the percentage of procurement contracts placed 155W by his Department directly with firms employing up to 200 employees in the last 12 months or other convenient period; and if he will break down this percentage between sea, land, air and general support functions.
§ Mr. ButlerI refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Lee) to my hon. Friend the Member for Elmet (Mr. Batiste) on 24 May at columns552–53. The exercise currently in hand regarding the percentage of direct contracts placed with smaller firms covers the year to 31 March 1985. The results will not be available until the middle of next year.