§ Mr. BURNETTasked the Minister of Transport what steps are taken to en sure that all Scottish local authorities will systematically compare their direct labour unit costs with those prices submitted by contractors in open competition, and redress the situation when a comparison reveals any waste?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI have no powers which would enable me to require local authorities to make the comparison referred to by my hon. Friend, but, where-ever it appears that, in connection with works carried out under grants from the Road Fund, direct labour costs are unduly high, investigations are made by officers of my Department, and, where necessary, the matter is taken up with the authorities concerned.
§ Mr. BURNETTasked the Minister of Transport whether in view of the com plaints as to waste and extravagance in road and bridge administration made against certain local authorities, he will issue a reminder of his recommendations contained in Section 21 of Circular No. 3(Roads), issued on 26th May, 1933, to Scottish local authorities
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHANo such complaints have reached me, but, if my hon. Friend will send me particulars, I will cause immediate inquiries to be instituted.
§ Mr. BURNETTWere not complaints sent to the Ministry of Transport not very long ago on certain points?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI think recall that my hon. Friend submitted a complaint from a contractor as to the 1116 competition to which he was subjected, but that the letter was not signed. I think my hon. Friend was informed that, if the contractor would append his name to the letter, I would take the matter up.