HC Deb 05 April 1976 vol 909 cc34-5W
Mr. Michael Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which local authorities have direct labour departments; and if he has issued any guidance to local authorities on direct labour departments.

Mr. Armstrong

According to statistical returns collected by the Department in October 1975, 537 out of 548 local authorities and new town development corporations in Great Britain employed some direct labour either for repair and maintenance or for new construction work. Advice is contained in Circular 52/74 to local authorities about building houses for sale and in Circular 49/75 about highway works. Circular 57/69 issued by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government relates to direct labour organisations and is still extant.