§ 19. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek powers to ensure that when contractors are doing work for one public authority in an area and there is other work of a similar nature to be undertaken by another authority, in the interests of economy and speed some co-ordination is arranged.
§ Mr. YoungerI agree that such coordination is desirable, and I hope that the authorities will co-operate voluntarily for the purpose.
§ Mr. GrimondWill the Minister go rather further? It is bad enough to have one statutory authority tearing up a street in a town just after another has put it back. It is far worse in an island when machinery is moved away while another authority needs it for other work on the island. There is a great need for water on Eday and the scheme is not due until next year. In the meantime machinery may be sent to that island which may be useful. Will he see whether he can arrange co-ordination?
§ Mr. YoungerI agree with the desirability of doing what the right hon. Gentleman suggests. The difficulty is that these contracts are let by different authorities and sometimes these contracts run for differing lengths of time. This is a matter which can be solved only by authorities getting together to discuss the possibilities. I hope that they will do so.