§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those measures introduced by his Department within the past year and intended to be of benefit to small businesses.
§ Mr. LeeThe Ministry of Defence has continued to encourage small firms to bid for defence contracts and to make realistic proposals and submit tenders even where they have not previously thought of competing. A new edition of the booklet "Selling to the MOD" is in preparation; and steps are being taken to advertise major470W ontracts and invitations to tender at the earliest possible stage to encourage more firms to bid for defence contract and subcontract work. A code of practice on subcontracting has been agreed with the CBI. All these measures are of benefit to small businesses. Further measures are under consideration.