§ Mr. DevlinTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what were the 10 worst purchases made by his Department in the month of October as measured against the Government's supply index.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Department does not keep a central record of prices paid for each item purchased. Sample checks reveal that the prices paid for items on the GSI list were close to or lower than the GSI average prices.
§ Mr. DevlinTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the purchasing policy of his Department.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Department is bound by the Government's policy that purchasers should base all procurement of goods and services on value for money, including quality (or fitness for purpose) and delivery against price. In accordance with that policy, goods and services are acquired by competition unless there are convincing reasons to the contrary. Under EC rules, and the GATT Government procurement agreement (GPA) where appropriate, the Department is obliged to award relevant contracts in accordance with prescribed procedures aimed at avoiding discrimination on grounds, of nationality.