HC Deb 22 January 1976 vol 903 c540W
Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment on what basis local authorities which have direct labour forces award contracts.

Mr. Freeson

The decision on the award of work to a direct labour organisation is a matter for the local authority concerned, except where there is specific Government financial involvement. The Government have, however, advised that the efficiency of direct labour organisations should be tested in competition with private contractors.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities employ direct labour forces.

Mr. Freeson

424 local authorities in England in April, 1975.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many persons were employed in direct labour forces by local authorities in 1975, 1974 and 1973.

Mr. Freeson

The number of operatives employed in direct labour forces by local authorities in England was as follows:

April 1973 … … 138,900
October 1973 … … 139,700
October 1974 … … 127,100
April 1975 … … 134,400