§ Mr. McSHANEasked the First Commissioner of Works whether the contract for the building of the new Employment Exchange at Walsall has yet been assigned; and, if not, whether, cœteris paribus, he will see that the contract is, if possible, assigned to a local firm?
§ Mr. LANSBURYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Tenders will be invited as soon as possible by public advertisement in accordance with the Department's usual practice, and tenders from local firms will, of course, be considered on their merits with any others received. I can give no guarantee in advance as to the award of the contract.