HC Deb 24 April 1967 vol 745 c1136
26. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what representations he has received from professional people regarding the costs of public building programmes.

Mr. Prentice

None, Sir.

Mr. Costain

Will the Minister confirm that he has had no representation from the district auditors' association referring to the extra cost of using direct labour organisation in building?

Mr. Prentice

I can repeat my previous reply, "No, Sir", but I shall have an extra check made to see whether there is a letter such as the one the hon. Gentleman has in mind which may have escaped my notice.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

But is it not rather disturbing that, for one reason or another—good or bad—two reports are, apparently, being held back from Parliament? Surely, the Minister does not want to give the impression or let it get abroad that they do not reflect credit on certain forms of public enterprise dear to the Government's heart?

Mr. Prentice

The hon. Gentleman is on the previous Question. We have passed from that to the one asked by his hon. Friend the Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Costain).