§ Mr. DevlinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has yet considered Stockton-on-Tees borough council's response to the notice served on the authority on 12 August under section 13 of the Local Government Act 1988; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robin SquireMy right hon. and learned Friend has given careful consideration to the response which Stockton-on-Tees borough council has made to the notice served on the authority on 12 August 1992, and has today given a direction under section 14 of the Local Government Act 1988 in respect of refuse collection work. The direction requires the council to retender the contract and to seek the Secretary of State's consent before awarding the work to its direct service organisation.