HC Deb 14 April 1986 vol 95 cc252-3W
Mr. Watts

asked the Paymaster General what steps he has taken to improve the opportunities for small businesses to tender for Government contracts.

Mr. Trippier

My Department liaises with purchasing departments and the central unit on purchasing to ensure that small firms can compete for Government contracts. The CUP is pursuing with departments the need to reduce paperwork and introduce simpler standardised procedures for small firms and for more departments to publish simple guidance for them. Its first report on progress will be published in the summer. A guidance booklet "Tendering for Government Contracts" is available through the small firms service and information about purchasing procedures and contacts in some departments will soon be available on Prestel.