§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the eligibility of direct works departments to tender for improvement grant work against private contractors.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergLocal authority direct works departments may not carry out work for private houseowners, who are the main recipients of improvement grants, but they are eligible to carry out certain work for public bodies designated under the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970. Some of these bodies658W are eligible for improvement grant and could invite direct works departments to tender for minor improvement works.