HC Deb 19 September 2003 vol 410 cc1160-1W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent on food by his Department and by each agency for which it is responsible in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; what proportion of that food by value was produced in the United Kingdom; what guidance he has issued to encourage the procurement of home-grown food; and if he will make a statement. [129378]

Mr. Ingram

In 2001–02 the total amount spent on food by the MoD was £114.8 million and in 2002–03 it was £115.7 million. Of these totals, 61 per cent. was spent on products of UK origin; however, 25 per cent. of the food goods purchased by the MoD are not produced or grown in UK.

The MoD's main food supply contractor, 3663, is mandated to give due consideration to British products during the tendering process and to procure them whenever they are competitive.