§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what preference is given to contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry located in Wales and in other development areas when tenders for buildings financed by central Government are being considered.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettI have been asked to reply.
No specific preference is given to contractors or subcontractors in the construction industry who are located in Wales or in any other development area, but suitable local contractors are normally included in Departments' lists of tenderers from which firms are selected and invited to tender. Whichever company is awarded the contract a significant amount of local labour is likely to be employed on the project.