HC Deb 15 March 1926 vol 193 cc28-9
57. Sir F. HALL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that the administration of the London maintenance contract has caused dissatisfaction amongst the contractors considered capable of undertaking This contract; that a firm who carried out a previous contract have now refused to tender, on the grounds that they have received unfair and unbusinesslike treatment; that this firm holds a commendation from his Department of their conduct of the important works entrusted to them; and whether he will forthwith inquire into the facts of the case with a view to satisfying himself as to the reasonableness or otherwise of the complaints made by contractors employed since the War?

Captain HACKING (for the FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS)

As regards the first part of the question, the First Commissioner of Works is not aware that there is general dissatisfaction among contractors as to the administration of the London Maintenance Contract, and, in point of fact, the tenders recently received for the next contract indicate keen competition. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, the firm in question has lodged a claim which will in due course be the subject of arbitration under the terms of the contract, when the firm will have full opportunity for stating their case.

Sir F. HALL

Does my hon. and gallant Friend think it advisable that, in the case of a big Department such as the Office of Works, contractors who have received testimonials of the highest kind from the Department should decline to tender in consequence of the manner in which they are treated?

Captain HACKING

Nobody need tender unless they care to do so.

Sir F. HALL

Is my hon. and gallant Friend of the opinion that it is advisable, from the point of view of the Department, that some of these big contractors, in consequence of the attitude that has been adopted, decline to tender? Does my hon. and gallant Friend think that the best results are going to be obtained in those circumstances?

Captain HACKING

It does not necessarily follow that, if one were to give a testimonial to-day, one would be inclined to repeat it later.

Sir F. HALL

I will show my hon. and gallant Friend a testimonial from the Department.