§ 26. Dr. Edmund Marshallasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to introduce proposals to enable the public works department of a local authority to undertake work for another authority.
§ Mr. CroslandI am extremely concerned about this problem, which is causing anxiety in several areas. I hope shortly to lay an order before the House to resolve the immediate difficulties arising from local government reorganisation. Any wider proposal would require legislation and I am urgently considering this.
§ Dr. MarshallWill my right hon. Friend give a definite assurance that the long-term problem will be solved by general legislation as soon as possible?
§ Mr. CroslandI cannot give a definite assurance because our study of the matter has not yet come to fruition. I think that my hon. Friend probably knows, from many statements I have made in opposition as well as in government, that I am personally strongly committed to the maximum possible expansion of direct labour departments.
§ Mr. SainsburyIs the Secretary of State aware of the very unsatisfactory economic performance of many of these departments? Would it not be a contribution to restraining the increase in rates if their activities could in turn be restrained?
§ Mr. CroslandThere are good and bad direct labour departments, just as there are good and bad private builders. For my part I am anxious to encourage efficient builders, whether publicly-owned or private.