HC Deb 20 December 1965 vol 722 cc1666-7
24. Mr. Geoffrey Wilson

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many firms of quantity surveyors are included in the South-West Regional Panel of Public Building and Works private quantity surveyors; how many of these firms have offices in Cornwall; and on what basis these firms were selected.

Mr. Boyden

There are sixty-two firms of quantity surveyors included in the South-Western Region Panel and six of these firms have offices in Cornwall.

The firms were selected according to size and experience on the basis of the information given in their applications.

Mr. Wilson

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that, provided quality is maintained, there is a national advantage in diversifying the location of the firms on the panel because quantity surveyors add the cost of travel from their headquarters to the site in order to inspect, and for distant parts of the country the item may be substantial?

Mr. Boyden

My right hon. Friend has abolished the ballot system of putting names on the panel. Any firm which is competent and adequate can now be put on the panel.