§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food what advice has been given to procurement staff on the implications of purchasing from small and medium enterprises. [6615]
§ Mr. Boswell[holding answer 19 December 1995]: Advice and guidance to procurement staff is contained in the departmental procurement and procedures manual. which is currently being brought up to date to take account of the information and direction given in the central unit for procurement guidance notes and the White Paper "Setting New Standards", Cm. 2840. On current plans, the manual will he re-issued no later than end of January 1996.
§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food what work his Department has done to develop best practice in the publication of departmental 1165W procurement guidance material relevant to small and medium enterprises' needs. [6613]
§ Mr. Boswell[holding answer 19 December 1995]The Department has recently made a contribution towards the DTI's booklet on "Tendering for Government Business", which is aimed at enterprises of all sizes. In addition, we are producing a booklet entitled "Selling to MAFF", which is intended to provide guidance to any enterprise who wishes to provide us with goods and services. The booklet is in final draft and on current plan will be released in January 1996.