§ 14. Mr. LofthouseTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence his Department has acquired on the impact of the extension of compulsory competitive tendering on the quality of local authority services.
§ Mr. HeseltineWe have published our proposals for extending compulsory competitive tendering to professional and other services in our consultation paper, "Competing for Quality: Competition in the Provision of Local Services". Our consideration of policy has been informed by research into the effects of the Local Government Act 1988 carried out by the Institute of Local Government Studies, and by a study of relevant local authority experience carried out by PA Consulting Group.
§ Mr. LofthouseWill the Secretary of State confirm that there is evidence of deterioration in the quality of services? Will he confirm that some schools have had to close because of a lack of cleanliness, and that some contractors who bid low in order to defeat local authority tenders have had to pull out half way through the contract and let the local authority pick up the mess?
§ Mr. HeseltineObviously, we are concerned to ensure that any infringements of safety standards or standards of health affected in such matters are carefully considered. If the hon. Gentleman would give me specific examples, of course I should treat them seriously.
§ Mr. DickensWill my right hon. Friend tell the House truthfully whether, if his house needed painting, he would rather have the local council direct labour force or a private contractor paint it? We all know the answer. Why should the Opposition wish to inflict second best on their council tenants?
§ Mr. HeseltineI am a Tory; how could I tell I lie? If I wanted to have my house painted—every so often, like everybody else, I do—I should get competitive prices. I know that in doing so I should get the work well done and at the lowest possible price. If Labour authorities would understand that, we should get better value for money out of local government.