§ 71. Mr. Goughasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will issue a circular encouraging local authorities to put out to public tender all contracts for civil engineering and road maintenance before resorting to the practice of direct labour.
§ Mr. MarplesSection 266 of the Local Government Act, 1933, makes plain Parliament's intention that public invitation to tender for contracts for the execution of works should be the rule. The model Standing Orders with respect to contracts issued for the guidance of local authorities are framed to embody this principle, and the Memorandum accompanying them stresses the importance of adhering to it. My right hon. Friend does not think that an additional circular is required.