Written question asked by Christopher Chope (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 December 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 1999. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 1999 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make it his policy that British mineral water be served at British embassies in Europe.

Answer: Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy that British mineral water be served at British embassies in Europe. [102770] Mr. Hain: No. The Government's Public Purchasing Consolidated Guidelines require goods and services to be acquired by competition unless there are convincing reasons to the contrary. The selection of a particular product or supplier solely on the grounds of national preference would run counter to this policy.

Secondary information