§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward legislation obliging local authorities to withhold payment to contractors employed to carry out repairs to council property until they receive a satisfaction note signed by the tenant in whose home the repairs have been completed.
§ Mr. FreesonNo. It is a clear responsibility of the employing authority as a party to the contract to decide whether the work specified has been satisfactorily completed. Once it is so satisfied it should make prompt payment. Subject to these contractual requirements, it is for the authority itself to decide how and at what stage to consult the individual tenant about work to his dwelling.