§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the criteria which Booker Foodservice are required to apply in meeting the best value for money terms under their contract to supply meat to the armed forces; and if he will make a statement. [23974]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Department's food supply contractor is bound to seek best market prices for meat. All purchasers are required to conform with quality412W specifications which, together with statutory requirements, ensure that only meat of an acceptable standard is supplied.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the contract terms which require Booker Foodservice to give full consideration to British products in procuring meat for the armed forces; and if he will make a statement. [23973]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Department has specifically asked Booker Foodservice to ensure that it gives full consideration to the supply of British meat where this would meet the contract specifications and provide best value for money.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if all meat and all meat products procured for the Armed Forces comply with(a) Council Directive 64/433/EEC, (b) the Fresh Meat (Beef Controls) (No. 2) Regulations 1996 and (c) the UK specified risk material controls; and if he will make a statement. [23976]
§ Mr. SpellarYes. Meat and meat products for the Armed Forces are obtained from contractors who obtain their supplies on the open market and those suppliers are required to meet all the statutory regulations.