HC Deb 27 November 1967 vol 755 cc6-7
5 and 6. Mr. Murton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works (1) what representations he has received from the London boroughs on the size of public building programmes in Greater London; and what replies he has sent;

(2) what discussions he has had with representatives of the London boroughs regarding the public building programmes in Greater London; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellish

I have received no representations from London boroughs on the size of public building programmes in Greater London, nor have I had any discussions with them.

Mr. Murton

Has the right hon. Gentleman discussed with the London boroughs and with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government the gross waste of ratepayers' money caused by local authorities using direct labour organisations for house building, as exemplified by the scandalous state of affairs in the London Borough of Southwark?

Mr. Mellish

How that supplementary can be linked with this Question, I cannot imagine. I was asked whether I had received any representations from the London boroughs about the size of the building programme, and the answer I gave was "No." Any question about direct labour organisations should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

While admiring the ingenuity of my hon. Friend's question, may I take this opportunity of asking the Minister to answer my previous question, which is connected with this one: can he give an estimate of the likely rise in house prices as a result of devaluation?

Mr. Mellish

Yes. That is a fair question. The answer is between £30 and £40.