asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps are being taken by her Department and public authorities in the health sector to monitor purchases of textiles in order to ensure that the decision to buy British is carried out.

My Department has issued guidance to health authorities to take account of such factors as country of origin, quality, delivery, etc., in awarding contracts for textiles. I am satisfied from the reports received from health authorities, from the number of enquiries we get on matters of interpretation, and from the evidence of continuing discussions between health authorities, that the guidance I have issued is being followed.