§ Mr. Ryderasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will list measures to encourage competition being considered by his Department.
§ Mr. Allan StewartIn accordance with the Government's economic policies generally, the Scottish Office is continually seeking opportunities to encourage competition both directly and through other bodies, Specific measures currently under consideration include the following:
Energy
The implementation of the Energy Act 1983 is in progress. This allows private operators to generate and supply electricity as their main business. We are considering with the chairmen of the Scottish electricity boards whether there is further scope to improve competition by involving private capital in their businesses.Direct Labour
The proportion of building and civil engineering work local authorities, new town development corporations and the Scottish Special Housing Association are required to submit to competitive tender before awarding it to direct labour organisations is being increased over the next 12 months.Local Authority Contracting Out
Local authorities are being encouraged to consider inviting tenders from outside contractors for a wider range of their activities.Consultants' Fees
In common with other Government Departments, the Scottish Office is about to introduce changes in the commissioning of construction consultants and consultant engineers which will allow competition on the level of fees.Commercial Activities in Further Education Establishments
In the light of the recommendations of the Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development (ACARD) report, the Scottish Education Department is preparing to consult the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and other interested bodies on the need for legislation to allow further education establishments to make their expertise available on a commercial basis.Health Boards—Contracting Out
Health boards have been asked to consider whether the cost-effectiveness of their catering, laundry and domestic services would be improved by inviting tenders for the provision of such services from the private sector. The action taken is currently being assessed.Solicitors
Measures are under consideration to allow employed solicitors to undertake conveyancing for reward in such a way as to avoid conflicts of interest and anti-competitive practices. There have been exchanges within the Law Society of Scotland on other ways of improving competition, notably through advertising. Also under examination is the scope for authorising non-solicitors to undertake conveyancing for reward.Rating and Valuation
The Government have promoted the Rating and Valuation (Scotland) (Amendment) Bill to remove anomalies that impose higher rates in Scotland than in England and Wales on certain classes of rate payers.Contracting Out
The Scottish Office has contracted out cleaning of its own premises and progress has been, and is continuing to be, made in a number of other areas such as catering and domestic services at the Scottish Police college, training and computing.