§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the method often followed by Government Departments of delaying the final and other payments for new building work for a considerable time, adds substantially to the cost involved; and if he will consider consulting with the Departments concerned with a view to introducing an arrangement such as is used in the United States of America, where the final payment is generally made within 30 days and a bond accepted to take care of any contingencies which may arise.
§ Mr. BirchThe whole question of payments on building contracts, including retention money and the alternative of bonds or guarantees, has recently been considered by an Interdepartmental Working Party set up by my predecessor. The report will be published shortly and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.