To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many contracts supported by aid and trade provision funds, since 1979, were open to tender; and how many companies were nominated.

Tendering arrangements are the responsibility of the overseas Government concerned. Of the 207 projects listed in the answer the Minister for Overseas Development gave to the hon. Lady on 11 July 1990, Official Report, columns 224–30, a total of 42 are classified in our records as negotiated contracts and the remainder as competitive contracts.