§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the(a) names and (b) locations of companies with contracts to print British postage stamps; and if he will make a statement on the procedure by which these contracts are allocated. [60492]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyI understand from the Post Office that contracts to print British postage stamps are held by De La Rue Security Print—Buckinghamshire, Walsall Security Print—West Midlands, House of Questa—London and John Enschede Security Print—The Netherlands.
The procedure by which these contracts are allocated is through competitive tendering in accordance with public procurement policy and international obligations under the World Trade Organisation Government Procurement Agreement where applicable.