Written question asked by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour) on Monday, 15 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 March 1999. It was answered by Doug Henderson (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 March 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information and guidance his Department gives to the United Kingdom textile industry when planning procurement of uniforms and textiles for the armed forces. - Includes figures and ref to European Journal, MOD Contracts Bulletin, and Defence Suppliers Service booklet 'Selling to the MOD'. (Holding answer 18 March 1999).

Answer: Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information and guidance his Department gives to the United Kingdom textile industry when planning procurement of uniforms and textiles for the armed forces. [77464] Mr. Doug Henderson: [holding answer 18 March 1999]: The Defence Clothing & Textiles Agency (DCTA) is bound by EC Regulations which require all contracts with a potential value of more than £160,670 to be advertised in the European Journal. Requirements to the value of £250,000 are also advertised in the MOD Contracts Bulletin. The Defence Suppliers Service publishes a booklet entitled "Selling to the MOD" to assist all companies considering my Department as a potential market for their goods. Seminars, exhibitions and "Meet the Buyer" events are also organised. The DCTA held two separate day conferences for Contractors during 1998 and more are planned--these attract predominately UK contractors. The DCTA also provides ad hoc advice on potential future purchases, and operates a system to debrief unsuccessful tenderers on why their bids were unsuccessful. These activities are designed to ensure that a competitive environment is maintained to meet our objective of achieving Value for Money in the procurement of textile goods.

Secondary information