HC Deb 08 May 1951 vol 487 cc1738-9
19. Miss Hornsby-Smith

asked the Minister of Works why, in connection with letting contracts to the building industry for work embracing painting operations, he specifies a short closed list of paint manufacturers, from which many well-known and reputable firms are excluded whose products may be obtainable at more economic prices; what are the qualifications for inclusion in this list; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. G. Brown

In order to ensure paintwork of high quality and long life in Crown buildings, and in Government buildings taken on long lease, the decorators' choice of paint is at present limited to the products of 21 firms which have undergone rigorous tests and are guaranteed. For other purposes this restriction does not apply. Any reputable manufacturer whose paint passes the tests, and who will give the required guarantees of performance, can secure entry to the limited list.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Do I understand from the Minister's reply that many of the reputable firms so far debarred from entering the list may be given the specifications with which they have to comply, and that if they can comply they can have their names added to the list?

Mr. Brown

There is no debarring. There is nothing to prevent them knowing the specifications and having their products tested and approved. If the hon. Lady knows of any difficulty and will let me know about it I will have it looked into.

Mr. Martin Lindsay

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is the very greatest difficulty in getting decisions made, and that though some firms have put their names forward for the list nothing has happened?

Mr. Brown

I am not aware of that. If the hon. Gentleman will give me particulars I will certainly have them looked into.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept a list of firms who have endeavoured over a long period to go on the list and who still find they have not been included?