§ 27. Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the award made by the local highway authority of a £2 million contract for stage 2c of the M18 link road in South Yorkshire, he will seek to amend the Local Government, Planning and Land Act so as to prohibit local authorities from awarding contracts for link roads to major road schemes to direct labour organisations without competition.
§ Sir George YoungThe Local Government (Direct Labour Organisations) (Competition) Regulations 1981, made last March, were intended to require jobs of this nature to be submitted to competitive tender. My right hon. Friend is considering changes to ensure that his intentions are complied with.