HC Deb 30 January 1967 vol 740 cc18-9
28. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what overseas visits he proposes to make to inspect the work of his Department in 1967.

Mr. Prentice

I have not so far made arrangements for any such visits.

Mr. Costain

Does the Minister recognise how greatly these visits are appreciated by his staff overseas, particularly at present? Does he not find that the fact that he has not got a Parliamentary Secretary in this House makes it more difficult for him to get away now?

Mr. Prentice

I made one trip to the Far East in September. If I were to plan another trip overseas, it might mean that I would have to make it in a recess rather than when the House was sitting, for the reason the hon. Gentleman has given. I think that these visits are appreciated, not only overseas, but at home where our Ministry has many offices in the regions—district offices, depots, and so on. To get round to all of them would mean a couple of years or so of non-stop travel doing nothing else, which is something I could not justify. However, I take the point and I hope to make further visits overseas in due course.