HC Deb 29 April 1968 vol 763 cc773-4
23. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Public Building and works what restriction of office building is in existence under his regulations.

Mr. Mellish

The Building Control Act, 1966, imposes a control on private building, including offices. Exemption is given to work which is under £50,000 or is in a development area or which is covered by an office development permit under the Control of Office and Industrial Development Act, 1965.

Mr. Shinwell

Are these restrictions creating a scarcity value leading to an increase in rents, and is this putting further impositions on industry?

Mr. Mellish

Since I have been Minister I have—I hope that I can use the phrase with modesty—been extremely generous. About 97 per cent. of all applications for licence have been granted. I am giving the matter further consideration.

Sir G. Nabarro

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, visually, it appears throughout London that there are a good many office blocks standing today offering premises to let. Evidently, there is no call for a substantial increase in offices in the London area.

Mr. Mellish

I do not quarrel with that.