HC Deb 25 May 1932 vol 266 cc351-2
33. Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether for the purpose of reducing costs his Department makes it a practice to use the work and progress schedule in relation to all building operations involving the expenditure of public money?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

The use of "time and progress schedules" is not, so far as I am aware, ordinarily adopted by building contractors in this country, and it is open to doubt whether their introduction would have the effect of reducing costs in connection with the comparatively small miscellaneous building works in course of erection for my Department this year. I have, however, arranged for further inquiry to be made as to the possibility of applying the system of "time and progress schedules" to Government building contracts.

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that he will allow an exhaustive test of this system to be made to see if it is applicable?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I cannot say that, because an exhaustive test would no doubt involve a large expenditure of public money, and I am unable to authorise that at the present time.

39. Sir A. M. SAMUEL

asked the Minister of Health what steps are taken by his Department to secure economies by local authorities resulting from the system known as the work-and-progress schedule in relation to all building schemes and operations involving the expenditure of public money?

The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Hilton Young)

I have only recently received a copy of the report of the Building Industry Council of Review and will consider it. I may point out, however, that construction works of local authorities are usually carried out on public tender, and that any improvements in methods which naturally would have my fullest support, would be reflected in the tenders received.

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any report on the operation of this system from local authorities which might prove a guide for other Departments, including that of the Commissioner of Works?

Sir H. YOUNG

Information on that subject is, no doubt, included in the report referred to, which I have only just received and to which I am now giving consideration.