asked the Minister of Health, whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Wandsworth Borough Council has renewed, for a period of 15 years, a contract for the removal and disposal of house refuse with Mr. F. W. Surridge, involving payments of £ 77,000 per annum without any competitive tender being invited; and whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to protect the interests of the ratepayers and maintain a proper system of open tender for public contracts of this magnitude.

Yes, Sir. The question, however, is one for the borough council and I am not empowered to intervene.