§ 55. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities operate direct labour schemes; and whether he will enumerate the controls exercised over them by his Department.
§ Mr. T. G. D. GalbraithI know of nine local authorities that do a significant amount of capital work by direct labour, mainly schools, house building, roads and water supply works. Many more have works departments or direct labour departments engaged mainly on maintenance. My right hon. Friend's approval must be obtained to proposals which involve Exchequer assistance and any estimate by a direct labour department submitted to him for approval is subjected to the same examination as a tender from a private contractor would be. Proposals to borrow for direct labour buildings and plant, like other applications by local authorities to borrow, also require my right hon. Friend's consent.