HC Deb 01 July 1942 vol 381 cc190-1
17. Major Lyons

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he will give the names of the members of the advisory committee of representatives of the building and civil engineering industries set up to advise on the methods of contract spreading?

Captain McEwen (Lord of the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply. The Ministry invited the Building and Civil Engineering Industries to nominate members to a special joint committee to consider with us all matters connected with the present urgent building programme. That committee has appointed several sub-committees, of which one deals with the details of the allocation of contracts, all questions of policy remaining with the main committee. The names of the members of the main committee will be circulated in the OFFICAL REPORT.

Major Lyons

Can my hon. and gallant Friend tell the House whether this body and not the Directors in the Department, who are themselves connected with the industry, will be the allocating authority for these contracts, or will it still be for those in the Department to give out contracts where they think fit?

Captain McEwen

I cannot answer that off-hand, but I think the answer will be found in the reply I have given.

Major Lyons

With great respect, it is not. Will my hon. and gallant Friend ask those on behalf of whom he is replying to see that what I suggest is put into effect?

Following are the names of the main committee:

National Federation of Building Trades Employers:

Scottish National Building Trades Federation (Employers):

Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors:

National Federation of Building Trades Operatives:

Civil Engineering Construction Conciliation Board, Operatives' Side:

It sits—as do the sub-committees—under the chairmanship of my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary (Mr. Hicks).