§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy in respect of defence procurement with regard to security of supply and the maintenance of technology and employment in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Sainsbury[holding answer 21 December 1988]: We seek to obtain value for money from our procurement expenditure. We therefore use, wherever practicable, competitive tendering. This policy continues to bring 378W significant benefit to the defence budget and to the taxpayer and has promoted the health and efficiency of the United Kingdom defence industry. Where appropriate we do take into account wider, relevant factors including security of supply and industrial implications.