HC Deb 22 February 1973 vol 851 cc180-1W
Mr. Ronald Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has evaluated the effect on housing starts in the public sector of the ban by members of the National Federation of Building Trades Employers on tendering for local authority house building contracts.

Mr. Channon

The hon. Member no doubt has in mind a letter of 2nd February sent to all London boroughs by the London Region of National Federation of Building Trades Employers. The Department has received representations from the local authorities about this letter, and is considering what action would be appropriate. The letter does not mention a ban on tendering, and it is far too early to say whether there are further tendering difficulties affecting starts.

Mr. Ronald Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he proposes to take to counteract the effects of the action of members of the National Federation of Building Trades Employers refusing to tender for local authority housing schemes due to the inclusion of clauses in the building contracts that prohibit labour-only subcontracts.

Mr. Channon

The Department recommends local authorities to use the standard form of contract issued by the Joint Contracts Tribunal. It does not prohibit labour-only sub-contracting.