HC Deb 17 June 1968 vol 766 cc687-8
13. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what estimate he has made of the increase in the work load of the building and construction industry in 1968.

Mr. Mellish

I estimate that output of new work in 1968 will be about 4 per cent. above that in 1967.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

What is the Minister's estimate of the increase there would have been but for devaluation and the general economic mess into which the Government have plunged us, and does he think that public sector projects ought to be allowed to proceed to working drawing stage, in case there is an easement in our economic position—which seems a bit unlikely under the present management?

Mr. Mellish

The hon. Gentleman is entitled to his view. As regards preparation of plans and designs to come into effect later, I have already written to the professions concerned saying that it is my Ministry's policy to ensure that design work goes on. As to whether there would have been a greater output this year than last, I can only say that last year was an all-time record, and this year will be even better. The building industry is doing much more work today than it was ever doing under the Tories.

14. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what estimate he has made of the work load to be undertaken in the construction industry by the British Railways Board, the London Transport Board, the Docks Board, the British Waterways Board, the National Freight Corporation, the National Bus Company and the Scottish Transport Board; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellish

I have made no such estimate.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is there a building unit under the control of each of these nationalised bodies, and, if so, what is likely to be the effect on the private construction industry?

Mr. Mellish

As I said in reply to a supplementary question on Question No. 6, if I start going in for more inquiries, breaking down what proportion of the industry is doing this or that, I shall have to send out a lot more forms. Then I shall have to employ more civil servants, and I shall be subject to bitter complaint for doing so. I can only repeat my answer, that I have made no such estimate.