HC Deb 17 February 1988 vol 127 cc672-3W
Mr. Illsley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue draft regulations on the phasing-in of competitive tendering; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

We are currently considering the responses to the Department's consultation paper on the implementation of the competitive tendering provisions in part I of the Local Government Bill. The necessary regulations and orders will be made as soon as possible after Royal Assent. I see no need to issue them in draft first.

Mr. Illsley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what the overall response was to the Government's proposals for the phasing-in of competitive tendering from local authorities; and whether those will be published.

Mr. Chope

Some 210 responses to the English consultation paper have been received so far. In general respondents welcome the proposed phasing-in, although many authorities consider that the overall period is too short and that they should be given greater local flexibility.

Where the authors have agreed, copies of responses will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.