§ 21. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the special commercial envelopes permitted by the Post Office bear marks of identification as to the source of origin and that complete secrecy in respect to tenders for local authorities is in some manner transgressed; and what action he proposes to take?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)The hon. Member no doubt has in mind the clause in the model standing orders which my right hon. Friend has issued for the guidance of local authorities when making contracts, which requires that tenders shall be submitted in envelopes not indicating the sender. Where a local authority has a standing order in these terms any firm submitting a tender will be unable to use envelopes bearing an indication of origin, but no action on my right hon. Friend's part seems called for.
§ Mr. GROVESIf such is not in order, will his Department take the necessary steps to include this in their regulations?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREIt is a question for the Post Office, and not for the Ministry of Health, except in so far as they are a breach of the standing orders of local authorities.
§ Mr. GROVESWill the hon. Gentleman communicate with the Postmaster-General 1898 to see if arrangements can be made to assist these firms in not breaking the rules and regulations?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREWe have already been in touch; but I see no inconsistency between the Post Office allowing an identification mark on an envelope for general purposes and our standing orders, which do not allow that in the case of contracts.