HC Deb 24 April 1967 vol 745 cc1123-4
7. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will state the extent of the delay, and consequent cost, in the Horseferry Road site for offices for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

Mr. Prentice

I cannot assess the extent of the delay or consequent cost until work on the main contract, which stopped last November, is resumed.

Mr. Dalyell

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those of us who pass this site in London every day are becoming increasingly worried about the general cost of such delays? Can he make an urgent assessment of what is becoming a very serious matter indeed?

Mr. Prentice

I have been concerned and worried about this for some months but, as my hon. Friend is aware, a few days ago my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour announced that he would appoint a court of inquiry into this dispute and also into a similar one on the Barbican site.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Is there any indication of when that inquiry might report?

Mr. Prentice

No. The announcement was made only at the end of last week and the terms of reference have not yet been settled.