HC Deb 02 August 1939 vol 350 cc2351-2
19. Mr. Kirby

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he proposes to provide any hutment camps or other buildings for the use of the Royal Air Force in the Liverpool district; and, if so, will he advertise locally for tenders for construction or in some other way give local firms the opportunity of tendering for this work?

Sir K. Wood

Certain additional building work will shortly be commenced at Speke aerodrome and tenders have been invited from 13 selected firms of whom three are Liverpool firms and one from Bolton.

20. Mr. Kirby

asked the Secretary of State for Air how his Department secures tenders for building constructional work in Liverpool and district, stating whether by private invitation to tender, by public advertisement, or by what other method?

Sir K. Wood

As I informed the hon. Member in reply to a question on 18th April last, the normal practice in my Department is to issue invitations to tender to a number of firms selected from the Air Ministry list of approved firms. Suitable local firms are considered when the list of invitations to tender is being drawn up. Exceptions to the normal arrangements are necessary from time to time when very urgent defence works are required to be executed.

Mr. Kirby

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many small contracting firms in Liverpool and district who are short of work and cannot get on the approved list?

Sir K. Wood

Perhaps the hon. Member will send me particulars of the matter.