§ 7. Sir Richard Glynasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what are the customary additions above the cost of labour and new materials in the public works and building trade when 1249 working on Government contracts; and if he will give the corresponding figure when secondhand materials are specified.
§ Mr. RipponThere are no set figures customarily quoted in either case.
§ Sir Richard GlynWill my right hon. Friend have a look at this question, because it is widely believed that very substantial additions are sometimes made in these cases whereby it is possible that public money may be excessively expended, and it is believed that that is especially so when secondhand materials are very properly specified? I ask my right hon. Friend to look into the matter to see whether economies can be effected.
§ Mr. RipponI will certainly look into the matter, and I should be grateful if my hon. Friend could give me further details of any matter he has in mind. Of course, the majority of contracts now are fixed-price lump-sum contracts entered into on a competitive basis. How the contractor arrives at his tender is, of course, no concern of ours.