§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received about the proposal that construction contracts worth over £1 million should continue to be subject to compulsory competitive tendering during the period of local government reorganisation in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodI have received a number of representations, including some from the private sector.
In the light of those representations, I have decided that it would be appropriate to continue to require competition for construction contracts worth over £500,000. This change will enhance the opportunities of private sector firms to compete for work from local authorities during the period of local government reorganisation.