GOVERNMENT STATIONERY CONTRACT

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (14:46): Following on from the minister's answer, it is clear, is it not, that, if the government wanted to purchase stationery on a non-exclusive basis following that tender, they could have? The tender document allowed them to do that.

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN (Napier—Minister for Finance, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:47): That is clear, but the reality is we shortlisted four. On an initial cut there were four companies that we thought were adequate and the two that were ultimately successful are delivering significant benefit to government.