HC Deb 04 March 1987 vol 111 cc633-4W
39. Mr. Powley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will take steps to outlaw political contract compliance conditions imposed on contractors by local authorities.

Dr. Boyson

I refer my hon. Friend to the statement that my right hon. Friend made on 18 February at column 916. While we have reluctantly had to postpone the legislation planned for this Session, it is our firm intention to introduce appropriate legislation at the first available opportunity.

48. Mrs. Roe

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what up-to-date estimates he has of the scope for potential savings by local authorities from contracting out services.

Dr. Boyson

Precise estimates of the potential savings from contracting out are not possible as the cost-effectiveness of local authority service provision varies from service to service and council to council. However, authorities which contract out services, frequently report savings of 20 per cent. to 30 per cent. on previous costs.

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