§ Mr. Costainasked the Minister of Transport what proposals he has received under Section 13(4) of the Transport Act, 1962, from the British Transport Docks Board about the exercise of their powers to manufacture; and whether he has approved these proposals.
§ 13 Mr. MarplesI have received from the British Transport Docks Board the following proposals which I have approved without modification:
Proposals for the Exercise of the British Transport Docks Board's Powers of Construction, Manufacture and Production under Sectionof the Transport Act, 1962
1. Normally the Board propose to invite competitive tenders for major items of construction, manufacture and 397W production. If it is not possible for requirements to be met satisfactorily in this way the Board would consider undertaking the work themselves under the powers conferred upon them by the Act or negotiating contracts with suitable firms.
2. It is the Board's policy to manufacture spare parts, minor pieces of equipment and materials, where this course is more economical or otherwise more satisfactory man purchasing such spares, equipment or materials from outside sources, or where it is desirable to maintain the balance of workshop capacity which it is necessary to provide in any case for the normal purpose of maintaining the plant and equipment of the undertaking.
3. It is the Board's intention only to exercise their powers under Section 13(1)(b) and (c) of the Act as an exceptional measure and when the work involved could be carried out within the existing facilities of the Board and the terms of the arrangement were economically acceptable.