§ Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the capital construction of Sheffield Polytechnic estimated to cost between £250,000 and £300,000 has been offered to public tender; whether she is satisfied that the Public Works Department which is undertaking this work has either offered the lowest tender or the most satisfactory terms of completion; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeI am informing the Sheffield Local Education Authority that I cannot accept their reasons for seeking to carry out large-scale conversions at the Sheffield Polytechnic by means of a contract negotiated with the Sheffield Public Works Department and I am asking the authority to invite tenders for the work.