HC Deb 24 February 1943 vol 387 cc150-1
25. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Air why ballast used by contractors on East Anglian aerodromes is not subject to costing; what is the price paid per cubic yard and the comparative cost of similar material in the London area; has the material used caused faulty runways; to what extent have contractors had to remedy runways and at what cost to the Government?

Sir A. Sinclair

The great majority of Air Ministry contracts are let on competitive tenders which cover the cost of all necessary materials. Price-fixing in such cases does not therefore depend on costing. Provision is, however, made in the contracts for the costing, where this is deemed to be necessary, of any items subject to variation clauses. As for the second part of the Question, the price of ballast varies between localities according to distance of haul, local rates of wages and the ease or otherwise of quarrying. Average prices for the whole of the two large areas referred to are not readily available. As regards the third and fourth parts of the Question, less than 1 per cent. of the runway construction undertaken for the Department has needed repair for causes associated with faulty ballast. Details of the expenditure on this account are not in all cases maintained separately from expenditure on other constructional work, and cannot therefore readily be given.

Mr. Edwards

Is the Minister aware that the answer he has just given is probably the most uninformative he has ever given, and tells me precisely nothing? Will he take it from me that this ballast is the only thing which is not costed on these particular contracts, and that I have it from honourable contractors, who realise that there is a very serious racket going on, that there is a rake-off of at least 5s. or 6s. a ton, which is not justified? Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter again?

Sir A. Sinclair

Certainly, but I think the hon. Gentleman is mistaken when he says that this is the only thing that is not costed on these contracts. These methods of costing and competitive tender are not complementary, but alternative.

Mr. Edwards

Will the Minister make further inquiries, as I am sure his own costing department will assure him that what I have said is a fact? Will he look into this serious matter again?