HC Deb 25 February 1958 vol 583 cc191-2
32. Mr. Malcolm MacPherson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the arrangements in connection with tendering for work on the Forth Road Bridge; and what safeguards exist for ensuring full consideration for tenders coming from sections of Scottish industry affected by redundancy or short-time working.

Mr. Maclay

The Forth Road Bridge Joint Board has advertised for competitive tenders for the construction of the piers and anchorages, and proposes also to advertise for competitive tenders for the construction of the approach roads and approach viaducts at the appropriate stage. As regards the bridge superstructure, the Joint Board has entered negotiations, with my approval, with a consortium of the three principal British bridge-building firms.

Tenders from Scottish firms for the main contracts will receive full consideration on their merits. In accordance with the usual procedure, the placing of any sub-contracts that may be required will be a matter within the discretion of the main contractor concerned.

Mr. MacPherson

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that major public works of this kind can be of great assistance in clearing up pockets of local unemployment and short-time working? Will he review the arrangements which he has just suggested for sub-contracts so that, other things being equal, subcontracts will go to Scottish industries in which there is short-time working or redundancy?

Mr. Maclay

Much as one hopes, with propriety, that work will go on a competitive basis to Scottish firms, I do not think it would be right to interfere with the normal contracting procedure, because, after all, the contractor is responsible for doing the job in the time and at the price quoted and one cannot completely take away his powers.