asked the Minister of Health (1) why the Burnley Corporation tender of £1,832 8s. 8d. for a war-time nursery at Rosehill School, being the only tender submitted, has been refused by his Department and the local authority instructed to incur further expense and delay by re-advertising;

(2) why the Burnley Corporation Works Department tender for a war-time nursery at St. Mary's School of £575 9s. 6d., being the lowest tender received, has been rejected by his Department in favour of a higher figure from a private firm, there being no question as to the quality of the work of the local authority's works department;

(3) why the Government have a different form for assessing expenditure on works carried out by local authorities from that used for private contractors with the result that, although equal in quality and cheaper in price, the tenders of local authorities are frequently refused; and whether he will take steps to alter this system?

The Burnley Corporation has in hand proposals for the provision of two nursery classes, and I am prepared to repay to the Corporation the approved cost of their construction. The question at issue is whether the basis of repayment shall be the actual cost of the work to the Council or an estimate of the cost made in advance, and the Council are not prepared to proceed with the work unless the second basis is adopted. Where a tender from an outside contractor is accepted, the estimate contained in that tender is the actual cost to the Council and therefore a proper basis of repayment. An estimate by the works department is not necessarily the actual cost and is therefore not a proper basis of repayment. No special form is prescribed by my Department for assessing expenditure on works carried out by local authorities.

Is it not a fact that because the allowance made for superannuation purposes to local authorities is restricted to a definite amount, they cannot meet that charge, because their labour costing is different; nevertheless, they can make that up by other means, and supply, without exceeding the limits, at a cheaper rate than the other people, but because of that particular formula, they are in difficulties?

I think we had better see whether we can resolve this matter by local discussion.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the strong demand for a nursery school at Elm Park to enable married women to take part in war work; and whether he will take steps to hasten its opening?

My attention has been drawn to the demand for a war-time nursery at Elm Park, and my regional officer has agreed to the use of certain premises for the purpose. Subject to labour and materials being available for the necessary adaptation, every effort will be made to get the nursery opened at an early date.