§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from local authorities and from the building industry urging a change in the policy of fixed-price tendering; and if he will make a statement in particular on the evidence submitted which shows that the on-cost element on tenders generally averages 35 per cent. of the 102W total cost of the work, an increase of 23 per cent. over the figure at the beginning of the year.
§ Mr. EyreThe only recent representations have been those contained in the letter and report from the Kent County Council which my hon. Friend was good enough to send on. The Government's anti-inflationary policy of firm price tenders is kept under continuing review, but it has not yet been possible to consider fully the points made by the county council.