§ Mr. TredinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has taken legal advice on the Local Government Act 1988 (Competition) (Scotland) Regulations 1997, S.I. 1997, No. 197, following the reporting of these Regulations by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments on the ground that they may be ultra vires (16th Report, HC29-xvi, Session 1996–97); and if he will make a statement. [15481]
§ Mr. Chisholm[holding answer 13 November 1997]The Local Government Act 1988 (Competition) (Scotland) Regulations 1997, S.I. 1997, No. 197, which were made by the previous Secretary of State, have no practical effect at present. Amendments were made to them by S.I. 1997/1436. This is part of the continuing moratorium on Compulsory Competitive Tendering in Scotland while a Best Value regime is being developed. The Government will re-examine these regulations if CCT under the Local Government Act 1988 has to be reimposed on any Scottish council.