Written question asked by Lord Watts (Labour) on Thursday, 14 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 26 October 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 26 October 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reasons his Department has issued one contract for the purchase of all combat clothing.

Answer: Mr. Watts: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons his Department has issued one contract for the purchase of all combat clothing. [192621] Mr. Ingram: Since 2002 the Ministry of Defence's strategy has been to reduce the number of small contracts regularly placed for clothing. The aim was to award a longer term contract under a partnering arrangement that would introduce improvements in product and supply chain costs. Following competition, a contract was awarded in June 2004 for both combat and non-combat clothing manufactured by a cut and sewn method, and is expected to generate potential savings of £23 million compared to traditional procurement methods.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 425 c1206-7W; 192621
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Contracts Armed forces Clothing Defence equipment China Procurement Uniforms
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk