Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's contract with Veolia for the disposal of hazardous, non-hazardous and special waste which expired on 31 March 2015, when the new tendering process will begin; and what weight will be given in that process to British companies.

The contract with Veolia for the disposal of hazardous, non-hazardous, special and dry wastes on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Other Government Departments was extended and is now due to expire on 31 March 2016. It is expected that an invitation to tender for a new contract will be advertised in early 2016.

The MOD is required under relevant procurement regulations to treat all bidders equally and in a non-discriminatory way. This means that British companies will compete on an even playing field for this requirement.