§ Mr. Mainwaringasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in order to eliminate suspicion of waste in materials and dissatisfaction about the manner workmen are employed and dismissed upon Government contracts, together with the practical monopoly held by London firms, he will undertake to give greater consideration to provincial firms in the letting of future building contracts?
§ Mr. RamsbothamIt is the policy of my Department to include as many suitable local firms as possible when inviting tenders for work in the provinces. The hon. Member will, I am sure, realise that the nature and urgency of the works now being put in hand are such as to render it essential that invitations to tender should be restricted to firms who have the resources needed to ensure punctual completion.