HC Deb 01 February 1985 vol 72 cc370-2W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why a United States computer company was awarded a contract to supply terminals and microcomputers to employment benefit offices.

Mr. Whitney

The award of contract followed a competitive procurement exercise conducted in accordance with European Community directives and the general agreement on tariffs and trade code on Government procurements. It was therefore open equally to British and foreign companies to apply and be considered in the normal way.