§ 1. Mr. Channonasked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will now make a statement on the progress of the discussions between his Department, the Board of Trade and representatives of the construction industry about methods of implementing the recommendations of the Banwell Committee concerning a standard form of contract consistent with the Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1956.
§ The Minister of Public Building and Works (Mr. R. E. Prentice)The discussions have not yet been concluded but my Department is studying the possibility of evolving a common form of building contract.
§ Mr. ChannonDoes not the Minister think it most regrettable that this matter should have gone on for such a long time? Is he aware that over a year ago in the National Plan this was recommended to Parliament to increase the efficiency of the building industry? When will these discussions be over and agreement reached?
§ Mr. PrenticeThis is a very complicated subject, but, in view of the fact that the Banwell Committee's Report was made in 1964 and many entrenched positions have been taken up, there has not been delay on our part. We appreciate the need to make progress as quickly as possible.