HC Deb 18 March 1964 vol 691 cc1352-3
4. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the contract for the two new training colleges of education was given to an English firm without competitive tender, when Scottish firms who have done similar building work for the Department were ignored; and if he will reverse this policy.

Lady Tweedsmuir

No Scottish firm has constructed similar buildings for my right hon. Friend's Department. The urgency of these projects—which must be ready to take in students in October—precluded the use of normal competitive tendering.

Mr. Dempsey

Is the Under-Secretary aware that I have in my hand evidence from two most reputable Scottish firms who state that this argument used by the Department is fatuous and that one of them has had experience of this type of structure on behalf of the Scottish Education Department? Will the hon. Lady bear in mind that it is being alleged that one of the reasons for this state of affairs is that the representative of the London firm which got these contracts without competitive tender was a former official of the Scottish Education Department? Will the Under-Secretary investigate this matter and assure the House that Scottish firms will get fair play in future?

Lady Tweedsmuir

I am not at all aware of that allegation. The hon. Member will, no doubt, know that there was a question of urgency in the building of these projects because originally it had been hoped to adapt existing buildings, and at that time there was no firm which was known to have the exact ability and experience—

Mr. Dempsey

There were two firms.

Lady Tweedsmuir

—to build these colleges, which must be ready by October.

Miss Harvie Anderson

While these colleges are being constructed, will my hon. Friend use her influence to the greatest possible extent to ensure that Scottish equipment and materials are used so that the maximum amount of Scottish labour can be behind this project?

Lady Tweedsmuir

Yes. In fact, 70 per cent. of the cost is being used locally in materials and equipment.

Mr. Ross

This is a serious matter when, because of the call of urgency, we have to depart from safeguarding procedures in the way of tendering. Would not the hon. Lady be right to apologise to the House because, obviously, the urgency in this case was because the Scottish Department had been dilatory and incompetent?

Lady Tweedsmuir

No, I do not accept that. A great deal of thought had gone into seeing whether it was possible to adapt existing buildings. When that was found not to be practical, these tenders were given.