§ Mr. Urwinasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps to allow local authority direct labour departments to tender for building works carried out under the improvement grants provisions of the Housing Act 1949.
§ Mr. MellishApart from improving their own houses, local authorities may in certain circumstances undertake improvements to private houses, in agreement with the owners, or in default of the owners carrying out the work. There is no reason why direct labour organisations should not tender for this work. My right hon. Friend is not aware of any general demand for wider powers.