§ Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to increase the amount of local authority general road works that is subject to competitive tender.
§ Mr. Allan StewartMy right hon. Friend and I consider that additional competition for roads work will be beneficial in securing better value for money. We have therefore decided to increase from 30 per cent. to 60 per cent. the minimum proportion of the aggregate value of road jobs costing £25,000 or less which must be put out to competitive tender by local authorities in Scotland under the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980. Our decision will bring arrangements in Scotland in line with 371W those which have been in force in England and Wales since 1 April 1988. I shall be laying the necessary regulations to give effect to this change which is to come into operation from 1 April 1991.