§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received from local authorities regarding compulsory competitive tendering in the last two years. [25238]
§ Sir John WheelerIn the last two years representations about compulsory competitive tendering have been received from Ards borough council, Ballymoney632W borough council, Banbridge district council, Belfast city council, Castlereagh borough council, Limavady borough council, Lisburn borough council, Newry and Mourne district council, Newtownabbey borough council and North Down borough council. These representations, which were made following the issue of draft regulations to all district councils on 12 October 1994 setting out the proposed arrangements for the second round of compulsory competitive tendering, sought an abandonment of compulsory competitive tendering or, alternatively, an increase in the "deminimis" level of £100,000 and changes to the phasing arrangements. In addition, during the Prime Minister's meeting with the mayors, chairmen and chief executives of district councils on 23 January, the mayor of Ballymena borough council advocated a moratorium on compulsory competitive tendering.