§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [21035]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Scottish Office and its executive agencies follow Government policy that goods and services should be acquired by competition unless there are convincing reasons to the contrary. Formal competitive tendering procedures are normally used for all purchases over £10,000 in value. Details of the value and numbers of all contracts placed could be provided only at disproportionate cost.