Written question asked by Baroness Byford (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Bolton (Labour) on Monday, 22 February 2010.

Armed Forces: Suppliers

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Quentin Davies, on 3 November 2009 (HC Deb, col. 832W), on what basis decisions to source meat supplies from countries other than the United Kingdom are taken where United Kingdom personnel are not resident in the countries concerned.

Answer: As a public procurement organisation, the department is bound by the EC Public Procurement Regulations which are implemented in UK law by means of the Public Contract Regulations 2006. Under the regulations it is unlawful to act in an anti-competitive manner by specifying in which country goods should be sourced. All procurement subject to the exception provided for in Article 346 of the treaty, must be undertaken in accordance with the treaty principles of non-discrimination; equal treatment; transparency; mutual recognition and proportionality and contract award decisions are based on obtaining best value for money for the taxpayer through open and fair competition in line with MoD acquisition policy.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1918; 717 c171WA
Session: 2009-10
Related items: Armed Forces: Meat
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Armed forces Procurement Meat Ministry of Defence
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk