§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many contracts for goods or services have been awarded in each of the last three financial years by his Department and its executive agencies after competitive tendering; and what was the total combined value of these contracts. [21028]
159W
§ Mr. HowardThe information requested is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, it is Home Office policy to buy all goods and services by competition unless there are convincing reasons to the contrary. Purchases in excess of about £100,000 are subject to European Community competition procedures, as laid down in statutory instruments.