HC Deb 18 March 1996 vol 274 c31W
Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many contracts for goods or services have been awarded in each of the last three financial years by her Department and its executive agencies after competitive tendering; and what was the total combined value of these contracts. [21038]

Mr. Robin Squire

Detailed information in the form requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost, although it is a fundamental principle of DFEE purchasing policy that contracts should generally be let through competitive tender.