§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether council employees working in Liverpool's direct labour organisation will be allowed to submit competitive tenders for forthcoming HATS projects.
§ Mr. KeyNo. Under section 1 of the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970 local authorities may only enter into agreements with designated public bodies to supply goods, professional services and maintainance work of a minor nature. Although section 89 of the Housing Act 1988 does designate HATS as public bodies for the purposes of the 1970 Act, Liverpool's direct labour organisation would not be able to submit tenders for the major works contracts to be conducted under the HATS projects.