asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether it is a fact that all contracts for supplies valued at £5 or over must be advertised, and, if so, why this practice is not followed by certain local authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authorities' Supplies.
It is not a fact that local authorities must advertise all contracts for supplies of £5 and over.
Under the Public Health Act, 1878 (Section 201), tenders must be invited for any contract of £100 or over under that Act. Under the Commissioners Clauses Act, 1847, which applies in urban districts and towns under town commissioners, tenders must be invited for contracts of £100 or upwards. Under the Housing Act, 1931, tenders must be invited for contracts of £100 and over under that Act. Under the Agriculture Act, 1931, £100 is the limit for contracts entered into by county committees of agriculture. A limit of £50 is prescribed in the case of vocational education committees by the Vocational Education (Contracts) Regulations, 1931.
It will be borne in mind that a considerable part of the supplies required by local authorities is obtained from official contractors through the combined purchasing machinery operated by my Department. The Minister gives public notice when he will receive applications from persons desirous of being appointed official contractors.