§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to the incidence of local government tendering questionnaires and contracts containing political items and clauses; if he will list the councils involved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldMy Department does not have comprehensive information on local authority contracts or tendering questionnaires, but from representations received it would appear that some two dozen or so English local authorities seek non-commercial information from prospective suppliers or contractors. It is estimated that about half a dozen of these authorities indulge in over political discrimination in the award of contracts, and I would hope that such unreasonable action is challenged in the courts soon.