HC Deb 20 January 1953 vol 510 c32
54. Mr. Grimond

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will circularise local authorities indicating the desirability of making prompt payments to builders engaged on public contracts.

Mr. Marples

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular issued to local authorities in April last.

Mr. Grimond

Cannot the Minister give figures to show how far behind some of these authorities are?

Mr. Marples

No, Sir, there are no figures available, but there is no reason why any payments should be behind. I hope that publicity can be given to this answer because the moneys due from time to time under the contract should be paid promptly and certainly within the period named in the contract. Those were the instructions contained in the circular, and local authorities should obey them in the interests of efficiency.