§ Mr. JOHN DAVISONasked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is proposed not to put up to competitive tender the large numbers of 1806W houses which the Government is about to order, but to allot the work without competition to a limited number of building firms selected privately by a Committee in which the building contractors are well represented, under the direction of a leading builder who contemplates retiring from business, but has not yet severed his connection with it; whether what is contemplated is the fixing of a price as the fair cost and then the addition of a percentage for contractors' profit; and whether, in view of conflicting interests, he will reconsider this matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONIt is not the intention, where it can be avoided, that the Government should itself undertake the building of houses. The contracts for the execution of housing schemes will be entered into by the local authorities or public utility societies, or others who may be responsible for these schemes. The Board are contemplating the issue of a form of contract for the assistance of local authorities and others.