§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how she intends to encourage further implementation of ISO 9001:2000 following the employment of this standard by suppliers to the Ministry of Defence. [140663]
§ Ms HewittISO 9001:2000 is the latest version of the quality management systems standard. It has been substantially revised to take account of modern management practice and the experience gained in industry over the past 25 years. It is already the most widely recognised management standard in the world and I am sure that the advantages and benefits of the new version will encourage its use still further. The DTI welcomes tenders from suppliers that have certification to this standard for a relevant scope but it is not a mandatory requirement and it is acceptable for a potential supplier to use other means to demonstrate how it has implemented its quality policy.