§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what meetings his Department has had since May 1995 with organisations representing small firms to review tendering procedures. [6614]
§ Mr. Boswell[holding answer 19 December 1995]Since May 1995, MAFF procurement staff have not met any organisations representing small firms to review the tendering procedures. However, the director of purchasing and supply is due to meet the sheltered employment procurement and consultancy service in January 1996. In addition, a suppliers' conference is being considered for 1996.
§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the outcome of his Department's review of measures taken to facilitate small firm's access to appropriate areas of Government procurement in the light of best practice. [6672]
§ Mr. Boswell[holding answer 18 December 1995]It is the Ministry's policy that procurement should be based on value for money. Goods and services should be acquired by competition unless there are convincing reasons to the contrary. The form of competition should be appropriate to the value and complexity of the goods or services to be acquired.
In following such a policy, opportunities for small firms to gain access to areas of MAFF procurement are readily created. In choosing its suppliers, the Ministry makes every attempt to judge suppliers on eligibility, economic and financial standing and technical capacity.