§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance is given to local authorities concerning the administration and control of purchasing consortia which have been established by a number of authorities in different parts of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. KingNone. Such questions are wholly within the responsibility and competence of the member authorities.
§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that where local authorities have established purchasing consortia that member authorities always obtain the best value for public funds by seeking supplies from the widest range of sources.
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§ Mr. KingThe purchasing policies of local authority purchasing consortia are for the member authorities to determine. I would expect them to satisfy themselves that the procedure's followed provide participating bodies with the best value for their money.