§ 47. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what advice his Department has given to local authorities having direct labour departments regarding private contractors being allowed to compete on equal terms; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellishLocal authorities have been advised to put schemes out to competition if they feel any doubt whether their direct labour costs are satisfactory. Moreover my right hon. Friend may ask them to go to tender if he considers their estimate too high. In addition Direct Labour Departments' tenders will be subject to the new cost controls in the same way as contractors' tenders.