§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to increase the proportion of United Kingdom manufactured textiles used by the armed forces. [77467]
§ Mr. Doug Henderson[holding answer 18 March 1999]: The Ministry of Defence has a policy of international procurement whenever possible. We are however, concerned to ensure that British defence industry remains healthy and competitive in world markets, and procurement decisions are taken in the light of this. My Department's Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency currently places 76 per cent. by value of contracts for clothing for the Armed Forces with UK companies.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries of origin of the fabrics manufactured for the production of garments under his Department's contracts in each of the last five years. [79868]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonMy Department does not hold the information requested. The great majority of purchases of textile based products are made-up garments, and my Department does not require contractors to specify the country of origin of the textiles used to make the items. The only contractural stipulation over the 41W country of manufacture is that 10 per cent. of garments must be made at the main contractor's accredited facilities.