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<p>Further to my answer to Oral Questions 1, 7, 13 and 17 on the 27th February 2020
(<a href="https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2020-02-27/debates/28CF28F4-7F40-41A4-A968-468F1D9785A0/SmallAndMedium-SizedBusinessesGovernmentContracts"
target="_blank">Official Report, Vol. 672, Col. 448-449</a>), we have already introduced
measures aimed at tackling barriers faced by SMEs, including ensuring that opportunities
are advertised and that departments consider using contract lots to encourage SMEs
to bid for government contracts.</p><p><strong><br></strong>More small suppliers than
ever are looking to bid for Government business and last financial year, we spent
almost £2bn more with SMEs - a total of £14.2bn, which is the highest spend ever.</p>
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