HC Deb 18 December 1962 vol 669 cc1061-2
13. Mr. Arbuthnot

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he is taking to ensure that national demands on the construction industries are co-ordinated and related to the capacity of the industries.

Mr. Rippon

I have set up an Economic Intelligence Unit with the object of providing a first-class service of statistical and economic information about the present and future capacity of the construction industries, and the likely demands on them both nationally and regionally. It will co-operate closely with the Treasury and other Departments, and also maintain close contact with the staff of the National Economic Development Council and with representatives of the construction industries. In this way I hope to contribute towards securing the fullest possible use of the construction industries at all times and in all areas, while avoiding the dangers of overloading them.

Mr. Arbuthnot

While congratulating my right hon. Friend, may I ask him who will be in charge of the Economic Intelligence Unit?

Mr. Rippon

It will be in charge of an assistant secretary in my Department.

Mr. Mitchison

Will the results of its researches be published?

Mr. Rippon

In so far as that proves to be desirable.

Dr. Bray

Will the right hon. Gentleman have a word with his colleague the Minister of Education who is now saying that he is unable to consider the capacity in the building industry in laying down the 1964–65 school building programme?

Mr. Rippon

Obviously in preparing the whole of the public investment programme regard must be had to the capacity of the construction industries. That will certainly be borne in mind.

Mr. Mitchison

What could possibly be undesirable about publishing the results if they are of any use?

Mr. Rippon

If they are of any use and if they are documents which ought to be published, we will publish them.