§ 53. Mrs. Maureen HicksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the procedure of local authorities in awarding contracts for council works to the private sector.
§ Mr. GummerWe are concerned about the high incidence of complaints to the Department about alleged anti-competitive behaviour by authorities in introducing competition under the Local Government Act 1988. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has strong sanction powers under the Act and he will not hesitate to use them when necessary.