§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to encourage British companies to tender for, and to obtain, contracts for the supply of vehicles and field communications systems to his Department.
§ Mr. SainsburyOur general policy is for contracts in these particular fields—along with most others—to be gained competitively. To help provide the fullest measure of encouragement for Companies to compete arrangements have been established to provide for the regular publication of all tender opportunities over £500,000 in the MODContracts Bulletin.
§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to restrict tendering for contracts to supply his Department to companies on an approved list; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe Ministry seeks to offer the widest practicable opportunity to companies to bid for MOD requirements where this can lead to better value for 553W money. Accordingly invitations to tender are not restricted to companies on an approved list. However, the Ministry would normally place headquarter contracts only with companies on its defence contractors list.