§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the policy of his Department in relation to maximising the employment of local persons on public sector construction contracts in Wales.
§ Mr. Barry JonesThe Welsh Office's practice is to invite as many suitable local firms as possible to tender for Welsh Office schemes. This offers local labour the most favourable prospects of being employed on these works. It is not normally Government policy to restrict contractors entering into competitive tenders for public works over the nature and source of labour they employ.