HC Deb 07 July 1971 vol 820 cc377-8W
47. Mr. Woodhouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of recent increases in the cost of materials, he will reconsider his policy of requiring nationalised industries and local authorities to seek tenders from building firms for contracts of up to two years' duration only on a firm-price basis.

Mr. Amery

No. In a statement to the National Consultative Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industries on 17th March, 1971, I explained why the Government had decided to retain the firm price tendering policy but offered to review the situation if circumstances showed this to be necessary.

I have nothing to add to this statement.

69. Mr. Costain

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now reconsider his policy on firm price tendering, in view of the evidence which he has received of recent increases in tender prices; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Amery

For tenders returnable to my Department, I am advised that there is still no evidence of unduly high provision being made because of the Government's firm price tendering policy. No advice in a contrary sense has come from any other Department concerned with construction.

As I told representatives of the industry on 17th March, 1971, I am keeping the position under review.