HC Deb 23 January 1984 vol 52 c384W
Mr. Robert B. Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to implement the recommendation to him by Inbucon that an experimental extension of direct labour organisation legislation type competition within one or two agent authorities might be introduced within three to six months of the Inbucon report.

Mr. Ridley

Since Inbucon reported we have made two changes to the direct labour organisation legislation; the lowering of the tendering threshold for general highway works from 100,000 to £50,000 on 1 October 1982 and the further requirement since 1 October 1983 that 30 per cent. by value of work below that threshold should also be put to competitive tender. In addition I am planning experiments in contracting-out to the private sector the maintenance of specified lengths of motorway.