§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what plans he has for reconsidering the function of district auditors regarding local councils' housing policies.
§ Mr. MacCollNone. The district auditor has no function in relation to housing policy beyond seeing that local authorities act within their powers and with proper regard to their legal responsibilities to both ratepayers and tenants.
§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether local authorities have completed their discussion of the District Auditors' 438W Society's report; what further guidance he has given, or proposes to give, on any of the matters dealt with therein, and in particular competition between private building contractors and direct labour organisations; and what amplification has been or is to be made to his Circular 60/65.
§ Mr. MacCollThe local authority associations have seen the report and a preliminary discussion was held with the Department on 26th July. When these discussions have been completed my right hon. Friend will decide what further guidance should be given to local authorities.