HC Deb 23 April 1996 vol 276 cc125-6W
Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total running cost to his Department for the financial years 1991–92 and 1993–94 of the local government compulsory competitive tendering enforcement team. [26324]

Mr. Kynoch

Staff costs of the unit currently responsible for administering local government compulsory tendering are expected to total £56,000 in the current financial year. The corresponding figures for 1991–92 and 1993–94, based on current salaries, were £94,000 and £115,000 respectively.

Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many complaints his Department received alleging anti-competitive behaviour by local authorities in Scotland under the terms of the Local Government Act 1988 for the financial years 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94 and 1994–95; and how many local authorities were subsequently issued with a section 19a notice or 19b direction as a result. [26325]

Mr. Kynoch

In 1990–91, we received six complaints of anti-competitive behaviour under the Local Government Act 1988; these resulted in one notice under section 13 of that Act and one direction under section 14 of that Act being issued. In 1991–92, we received five complaints: these resulted in four notices and four directions being issued. In 1992–93, we received four complaints: these resulted in two notices. In 1993–94, we received 10 complaints: these have resulted in six notices. In 1994–95, we received eight complaints: these resulted in two notices.

Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many complaints his Department received alleging anti-competitive behaviour by local authorities in Scotland under the terms of the Local Government (Planning and Land) Act 1980 for the financial years 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94 and 1994–95; and how many local authorities were subsequently issued with a section 19a notice or 19b notice as a result. [26326]

Mr. Kynoch

In 1990–91, we received two complaints of anti-competitive behaviour under the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980: neither of these cases resulted in statutory action. In 1991–92, we received six complaints: a notice was served in relation to one of these. In 1992–93, we received four complaints: two of these resulted in a notice and one in a direction. In 1993–94, we received three complaints: these have resulted in two notices. In 1994–95, we received three complaints: no statutory action was taken.

Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by service the local authorities in Scotland that have been challenged by his Department under regulations under section 9 of the Local Government Act 1992 in relation to their internal arrangements for establishing client-contractor splits. [26329]

Mr. Kynoch

The Scottish Office Development Department has not taken statutory action against any authority in relation to its internal arrangements for establishing client-contractor splits.