§ Mr. Ken HargreavesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will publish his proposals for extending the requirement for compulsory competitive tendering for local authority services.
§ Mr. PortilloI am today publishing "Competing for Quality—Competition in the Provision of Local Services", in order to start the process of consulting widely on the Government's proposals for clarifying and extending the requirement for compulsory competitive tendering for local authority services. The citizens charter underlines our belief that the widest possible application of competition will bring benefits to the local taxpayer and the consumer. The consultation paper, therefore, seeks to tighten up on anti-competitive behaviour so that private firms have a fair chance to compete for local authority contracts, and explains how we propose to extend compulsory competitive tendering to a wide range of professional and technical activities. Copies are being placed in the Library.
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total expenditure by the Countryside Commission on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year; and what is his estimate for 1991–92 and budget for 1992–93.
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§ Mr. HeseltineI have asked the chairman of the Countryside Commission to write to the hon. Member with the information requested.