Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Monday, 17 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will set out his policy on defence procurement. - Inc ref to MOD Policy Paper No 4 - Defence Acquisition, in Library and on www.mod.uk/issues/acquisitions/index and Defence Industrial Policy Paper No 5: http://www.mod.uk/issues/industrial-policy.htm.

Answer: Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will set out his policy on defence procurement. [140100] Mr. Ingram: Our Acquisition Policy is set out in the Ministry of Defence Policy Paper No 4--Defence Acquisition. The Policy is driven by the need to secure and sustain the defence capabilities at the best value for money and at a price we can afford. Competition remains the principal means of achieving value for money, although we will consider alternative strategies, such as partnering, where they are more appropriate. Our Defence Industrial Policy, published in October 2002, sets out in more detail our approach to considering industrial issues in our Acquisition system. MOD Policy Paper No 4--Defence Acquisition is available in the House of Commons Library and via the website: http://www.mod.uk/issues/acquisition/index. htm Defence Industrial Policy Paper No 5: http://www. mod.uk/issues/industrial--policy.htm

Secondary information