HC Deb 18 February 1964 vol 689 cc1000-2
10. Mr. Manuel

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what was the total cost of the furniture purchased by his Department in Scotland for the three financial years ending March, 1963; and what was the total cost for the above three years of furniture purchased in England.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Public Building and Works (Mr. Richard Sharpies)

The figures of furniture purchased are £.5 million in Scotland and £18 million elsewhere.

Mr. Manuel

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the main furniture firms in Scotland are located in development districts and that we have in Scotland 7 per cent. of the total furniture workers in the United Kingdom? Does he not agree that it is shocking that we should have this minute proportion of the work, and will he do something so that we are given at least some parity, particularly in areas of high unemployment?

Mr. Sharples

One of the difficulties is that a number of firms in Scotland which make furniture have written saying that owing to the amount of work they have in hand they are not able to tender.

Mr. Manuel

If that is the case, why did a Written Answer which I received from the Minister of Labour yesterday show a reduction in the total number of workers employed in the Scottish furniture industry compared with previous years?

Mr. Sharples

I can only answer from the point of view of the invitations to tender which have been sent out. The answer which we have received from a number of firms in Scotland—and I have with me quite a large number of letters from Scottish firms—is that they are unable to tender because of the work they have in hand. One of these letters is from a firm in the hon. Member's constituency.

11. Mr. Manuel

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what was the total cost of all manufactures used by his Department in Scotland for the three years ending March, 1963 and what amount of that cost was paid to Scottish firms.

Mr. Sharples

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Manuel

Will the Parliamentary Secretary ask his right hon. Friend why this information is not available? Is not his Department bound to receive the accounts of payments made to Scottish firms? Is there not an accountancy department in the Ministry containing more than 1,000 workers and would not the work of separating the figures be comparatively easy? Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the Government are now paying lip-service to regional development? If there is to be regional development in Scotland and elsewhere there must be some regional accountancy. Will the hon. Gentleman streamline his Department and so keep pace with Government statements regarding regional development?

Mr. Sharples

I think that the hon. Gentleman underestimates the complexity of the Question he asked, which was for the total cost of all manufactures. I am sure that he realises that this covers a very wide variety of goods, including a vast range of building components. If the hon. Gentleman puts down a Question about specific items I will do my best to find the answer for him.