§ 50. Mr. Bostonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has been made towards implementing the recommendations of the Joint Review Body on Local Authority Purchasing.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. James MacColl)Most of the Joint Review Body's recommendations were addressed to Government Departments and to the local authorities jointly, and my right hon. Friend will first want to discuss them with all concerned. I understand that the local authority associations have now considered the report and will be ready to discuss it with him very soon.
§ Mr. BostonI welcome the progress of the consultations, but will my hon. Friend agree that this is an important matter, not least because of the scope for increasing efficiency, and will he say when he hopes to be in a position to make a fuller statement?
§ Mr. MacCollI share my hon. Friend's view that this is an important Report. My right hon. Friend is anxious to obtain constructive results for his consideration, and he does not therefore wish to over-press the local authority associations. As soon as they come to him, he will be ready to report.