HC Deb 30 June 2003 vol 408 cc109-10W
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance he has issued on steps to be taken by local authorities that have removed retentions to ensure that their first line contractors do not demand retentions from their supply chain. [122145]

Mr. Raynsford

None. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister works closely with the Local Government Task Force, which was established to encourage and assist local authorities to adopt the principles of "Rethinking Construction". While we are not aware of any retention issues applying specifically to local government contracts, the Taskforce will continue to support local government in applying integrated procurement and promoting longer-term supplier relationships as part of the wider "Rethinking Construction" agenda.

Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which local authorities( a) have removed retentions from their construction contracts and (b) intend to remove retentions from such contracts within the next 12 months; and what estimate he has made of the total value of work procured by these local authorities in the last 12 months. [122207]

Mr. Raynsford

The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

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