§ 43. Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieuasked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that of 11 tenders for the construction of the Deighton Secondary Modern School, Huddersfield, 10 were identical and the eleventh was slightly higher; and whether he will obtain a full report before approving the final acceptance of any tender.
§ The Minister of Education (Sir David Eccles)The tenders were for the supply and erection of the structural steelwork and not for the school as a whole. I understand that the local education authority is considering whether any of them should be accepted.
§ Mr. MallalieuHas the Minister had reports of similar occurrences in other parts of the country, and, if so, would it not be worth while reporting these instances to the Monopolies Commission?
§ Sir D. EcclesYes, I had such reports when I was Minister of Works, and I certainly will speak to my right hon. Friend about the matter.
§ Mr. MallalieuI thank the right hon. Gentleman very much.
§ Dr. KingDoes the right hon. Gentleman keep a check on the firms now supplying what are almost monopoly constructions to the various building programmes?
§ Sir D. EcclesI think the firms supplying structural steel work are pretty well known.