§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy regarding the supply of British beef for consumption by members of Her Majesty's armed forces. [121073]
§ Dr. MoonieThe supply of food for the armed forces has been contracted out to "3663" and we require them to seek the best price in the open market, consistent with meeting our quality standard. I am as keen, however, on seeing our servicemen and women eating British products as I am for our contractor to secure best value for money. In the case of British beef, since autumn of 1998 we have been supplying 100 per cent. British beef to our armed forces personnel based in the United Kingdom. Supplies for armed forces personnel based overseas are currently sourced from a number of countries.