§ Sir D. Walker-Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the current instructions to local authorities in regard to the acceptance of the lowest tender for public works contracts.
§ Mr. RipponModel standing orders are issued by my Department for the guidance of local authorities. The model requires that a tender other than the lowest shall not be accepted until the council has considered a written report from an appropriate officer. Where a local authority requires my consent to expenditure on works it is required to justify any proposal to accept a tender other than the lowest.