HC Deb 20 June 1966 vol 730 cc16-7
14. Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many applications for authorisation of building projects have been refused in respect of shortage of materials and because of regional manpower difficulties.

18. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many applications for authorisation of private building projects are now outstanding with his Department.

19. Mr. Eyre

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many applications for authorisation of private building projects have been refused consent by his Department; and how many have been granted.

22. Mr. Clegg

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether, for the guidance of the industry, he will make a statement about the number, type and geographical situation of applications for authorisation of private building projects which have been granted, refused, and are under consideration, respectively.

Mr. Boyden

252 authorisations have been granted and 17 refused. 62 are under consideration With permission, I will circulate a statement giving details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Cooke

Does the hon. Gentleman hope to have the force of law for the licensing procedure?

Mr. Boyden

That is hardly a matter for me. We will act expeditiously when it comes up.

Mr. Eyre

Because of the severe restriction on the output of the building industry, is it not the case that output of houses in 1966 is 5,000 down on the comparable period of 1965?

Mr. Boyden

We will wait until the end of the year. The restriction is not severe. When the hon. Gentleman sees the figures, he will realise that a considerable amount has been licensed.

Mr. Clegg

Does not the hon. Gentleman think, in view of the strictures by the right hon. Member for Leeds, West (Mr. C. Pannell) about the effects of the tax on the building industry, that the Government might as well withdraw the Building Control Bill altogether?

Mr. Boyden

No, Sir—and that is another question anyway.

BUILDING CONTROL BILL
ANALYSES OF APPLICATIONS FOR AUTHORISATION
(a) By types of building
Category Authorised Refused Under consideration Total
Number Value Number Value Number Value Number Value
(£m.) (£m.) (£m.) (£m.)
Offices 71 24.2 6 1.2 17 4.4 94 29.8
Shops 32 9.7 1 0.4 8 2.2 41 12.3
Education 21 6.0 3 0.7 24 6.7
Hotels 19 5.9 3 1.6 2 0.3 24 7.8
Hostels 14 2.9 1 0.1 15 3.0
Storage 44 14.0 1 0.3 5 1.1 50 15.4
Mixed development 20 11.4 2 0.4 6 10.5 28 22.3
Miscellaneous 31 9.7 4 1.2 20 9.8 55 20.7
Totals 252 83.8 17 5.1 62 29.1 331 118.0
(b) By geographical situation
North West 27 8.8 1 0.2 10 6.3 38 15.3
North East 26 7.6 4 2.0 2 1.1 32 10.7
Midland 44 16.4 1 0.3 12 9.5 57 26.2
East 36 13.4 1 0.4 5 1.2 42 15.0
South 30 7.2 1 0.3 6 1.4 37 8.9
South West 9 2.9 2 0.3 6 4.0 17 7.2
South East 16 4.7 3 0.9 5 0.8 24 6.4
London 49 15.5 2 0.3 15 4.1 66 19.9
Scotland 10 5.7 1 0.7 11 6.4
Wales 5 1.6 2 0.4 7 2.0
Totals 252 83.8 17 5.1 62 29.1 331 118.0