HC Deb 10 December 2001 vol 376 cc533-4W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what policy the Defence Procurement Agency adopts on supporting British manufacturing when purchasing vehicles. [20881]

Dr. Moonie

Competition is the cornerstone of the Ministry of Defence's procurement policy and this applies equally to the purchase of vehicles. Contracts are awarded on best overall value for money. Article 12 of the EC treaty requires that member states do not discriminate in favour of national suppliers. However, where there are exemptions under the regulations we make use of them.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the financial benefits of bulk purchasing vehicles of one particular model for the MOD police. [20882]

Dr. Moonie

The Ministry of Defence police require a range of vehicle types to meet operational needs. When assessing which vehicle represents best value for money against a particular requirement, the bulk purchase discounts offered by manufacturers are taken into account.