HC Deb 17 May 1965 vol 712 c982
18. Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is the total number of persons in his Department employed on the restoration and preservation of historic buildings.

Mr. C. Pannell

I am sorry for the delay in finding the reply, but there are so many absentees. I thought that the Opposition were anxious to get into the fray.

The answer is: 397 full time; 49 for part of their time.

Sir D. Renton

Surely the right hon. Gentleman is not saying that the work of his Department in relation to the maintenance and repair of historic buildings discharged entirely by the numbers of people which he has given? Is not a good deal of work also given to contractors?

Mr. Pannell

The Question did not ask that. It concerned those people in my Department.

Mr. Shinwell

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. If this absenteeism is continued, will not we be able to get through all the Questions in one Session?

Mr. Speaker

If we do not have too many points of order.