§ 26. Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the total value of all contracts for construction refurbishment, and maintenance of the diplomatic overseas estate in the last year for which figures are available; and what percentage of those contracts in terms of value was placed with United Kingdom businesses.
§ Mr. GoodladThe total value of all contracts for construction, refurbishment, and maintenance of the diplomatic overseas estate awarded by the overseas estate department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1992 was about £11.5 million. Of this, about 40 per cent. by value was placed with United Kingdom businesses. Small works contracts are also awarded by posts overseas directly to locally based contractors in accordance with delegated authorities.