§ 23. Mr. Fordasked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he has completed his initial survey of the cost to his Department of using directly-employed labour on maintenance work in the United Kingdom in comparison with the cost of using contractors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LoughlinA first examination of the costings indicates that our directly employed labour is reasonably competitive with contractors over a fair proportion of the work that they at present undertake. But much remains to be done before the results can be fully assessed.
§ Mr. FordWill my hon. Friend draw these figures to the attention of local authorities, particularly those Tory local authorities which have abolished direct works departments?
§ Mr. LoughlinMy task at this stage is to get the direct labour force in the 1104 Department completely efficient and competitive with contractors. If we can do this and demonstrate that D.E.L. is an economic proposition, it will then be up to local authorities, whatever their political complexion, to follow suit.
§ Mr. OrmeWe welcome the fact that my hon. Friend wants to create maximum efficiency within the Department, but will he give an assurance that the work of the Department in direct labour will be extended throughout the country, as there is great need for this type of development?
§ Mr. LoughlinIf we make the Department's direct labour force efficient, as I believe we can, and if we demonstrate that it competes with contractors, as I believe we can, I see no reason why, ultimately, there should not be an expansion of the D.E.L. force.