HC Deb 23 November 1983 vol 49 c214W
48. Mr. Hickmet

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what he is doing to encourage more local authorities to test the cost-effectiveness of their services by inviting competitive tenders from the private sector.

Mr. Waldegrave

My right hon. Friend loses no opportunity of drawing the attention of local authorities to the benefits of contracting out. It is all the more important in the present financial situation for authorities to explore ways of improving the cost-effectiveness of their operations.