HC Deb 29 April 1968 vol 763 cc770-2
17. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will now make a statement on his plans for increasing productivity on construction sites where contracts being let by his Department are being carried out.

Mr. Mellish

It is my policy to encourage methods of increasing productivity throughout the whole of the construction industry. On my Department's projects, productivity is encouraged both by providing continuity of work where practicable by such means as measured, term and continuation contracts, and by the forward planning of work inherent in the Government's firm price tendering policy. Contracts let in recent years have also included provision for improved site amenities, artificial lighting to minimise loss of normal working hours in the winter, precautions to permit building work to continue in cold weather and the provision of safety helmets for use by all personnel on sites.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

In the light of that very long reply, may I ask the Minister what further plans he has, in view of the increased cost which will flow from various provisions of the Transport Bill? What plans has he to offset increased costs for machinery, plant hire and so on?

Mr. Mellish

The Question asked what I was doing to increase productivity. I have answered that in a long but, I thought, very good reply. Last year, productivity in this industry was 5 per cent. more than it had ever been before, with 2½ per cent. fewer men working in it. The results justify, at least, what we are trying to do.

Mr. Costain

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that British Standard Time will probably hinder the industry somewhat? Further, in the light of his long Answer, will he agree that the most satisfactory way to increase productivity would be to ensure that all plans were at the final stage before a job went out to tender?

Mr. Mellish

I do not quarrel with that argument. I can only say that I meet representatives of the industry con- stantly, and I believe that they are very confident about the future. This is an industry with a great deal of courage and confidence about not only the problems of today but the problems of tomorrow as well.