§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what guidance has been given to Northern Ireland bodies funded by his Department to source materials and equipment from Northern Ireland suppliers prior to making purchases from companies in the Irish Republic.
§ Mr. CopeNorthern Ireland Departments are required to comply with the EC directives on fair competition between member states. However, a major effort has been and continues to be made to promote the sourcing of goods and services within Northern Ireland by the public sector with exhibitions throughout the Province and the publication of a comprehensive directory of public purchasers.