HC Deb 19 May 1971 vol 817 cc290-1W
77. Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has formed of the effect on his policy of firm-price tendering in the public sector in the light of the latest rise in cement prices.

Mr. Tebbit

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of recent rises in the costs of building materials, notably cement, he is satisfied that his fixed price tendering policy in the public sector should continue; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Amery

In the light of strong representations from the industry about rising costs of building materials the Government's firm-price tendering policy was reviewed in March.

I informed the National Consultative Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industries on 17th March, 1971, that the industry's request for relaxation in that policy could not be met.

I undertook to reconsider the situation if circumstances showed this to be necessary.