§ 38. Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Gravesend Local Authority by direct labour save £72,000 on a contract of £150,000, in connection with their drainage scheme; and whether any opposition is put in the way of any local authority by his Department when direct labour is engaged to carry out local authority work?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not think it can be said that savings have been effected to the extent suggested. Particulars of the final cost of the works are not available, but the estimate on which loan was sanctioned for the work, on the basis that it would be carried out by direct labour, was 196,200. No objection is raised to the carrying out of work by direct labour if there are local arrangements which will ensure efficiency and economy.