§ Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if it is his policy to grant or to refuse loan sanction in respect of public works in cases in which local authorities accept tenders from direct labour organisations at prices in excess of those tendered by other contractors.
§ Mr. FreesonThe prior approval of my Department is required whenever a local authority seeking loan sanction wish to accept a tender, whether from a direct labour department or otherwise, which is not the lowest. I look at each case on its merits.