§ Mr. David Stoddartasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will strengthen the new model standing orders for local authorities now in the course of preparation by his Department, especially those dealing with the issue and accept- 360W ance of tenders and the placing of contracts and make the acceptance of such standing orders obligatory on all local authorities.
§ Mr. RipponI am considering what changes are needed to the model standing orders relating to local authorities' contracts in the light of reorganisation and our accession to the EEC. I am prepared to consider other proposals too, but have no power to make the model mandatory.