HC Deb 25 July 1986 vol 102 cc634-5W
Mr. Mates

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the contracts, with the subject of the assignment, awarded to management consultancy or accounting firms by his Department in 1985, with the name of the consultants concerned.

Mr. Rifkind

The following contracts which were let in the financial year 1985–86 are relevant:

Mr. Ancram

In the last three months, representations have been received directly from one local authority about a national house condition survey. In addition, representations have been made from time to time by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities as part of its current campaign for such a survey.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow (Dr. Godman) on 6 May at column 13.

To assist local authorities which may be contemplating a local house condition survey in their area, the Scottish Development Department is undertaking a research project on the conduct of local surveys, the results of which will he published as part of the "Scottish Housing Handbook".