Defence Contracts (Hansard, 12 January 1993)

§ 26. Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the nationality of all the companies given contracts for small arms and bullets in the last three years.

§ Mr. Archie Hamilton
In addition to companies based in the United Kingdom, companies from the following countries have been awarded contracts for small arms and bullets in the last three years:

Austria

Belgium

France

Germany

Norway

Portugal

Sweden

Switzerland

United States of America

§ 27. Mr. Burns
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the proportion of British defence contracts placed with British companies.

§ Mr. Archie Hamilton
In order to achieve the best value for money, wherever possible, we place contracts by means of open competition. British companies have proved highly competitive to the extent that, over the past five years, we estimate that 91 per cent. of defence equipment expenditure was spent with United Kingdom firms.

28. Mr. William O'Brien
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for improving the living quarters for armed forces in Cyprus; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Archie Hamilton
Two hundred new houses are currently under construction throughout the sovereign base areas. These will replace 35-year-old prefabricated married quarters. It is planned to start construction of a further 96 married quarters in the eastern sovereign base areas in 1993. Two old barrack blocks in the eastern sovereign base area are scheduled for demolition and replacement by modern style single living accommodation for 150; construction is planned to start in 1993. In addition, the Defence Land Agent is steadily improving the stock as better properties become available.