Mr. Kilroy-Silk asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list all those firms that tendered for the contract to modernise the maternity wing at Ormskirk hospital; which firm received the contract; and whether this was the lowest tender.

Dr. Vaughan: There are two separate contracts in relation to alterations to the maternity department at Ormskirk.

The first was for works in the special care baby unit. Tenders were received from the following:

The lowest tender, which was accepted, was submitted by Messrs J. R. Woods.

The second contract was for an extension to the maternity day rooms. The following firms tendered:

Messrs W. H. Holden submitted the lowest tender, which was accepted.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if McAlpine Limited has subcontracted the joinery work on the teaching extension at Ormskirk hospital to another firm; and, if so, (a) whether it is permitted and (b) from where the labour is being drawn.

Dr. Vaughan: McAlpine, the main contractor for the mental illness unit and the department for the elderly severly mentally infirm at Ormskirk hospital has let subcontracts for the major joinery work in these jobs.

The main contractors for the postgraduate medical center is Yeardsley, which has also sublet most of the joinery. The terms of the standard joint contracts tribunal form of contract permit the contractor to sublet any portion of the work, with the consent of the architect-supervising officers, and contain no provisions relating to the source of labour, which is a matter left to the contractor or subcontractor's discretion.