HC Deb 11 March 1968 vol 760 c958
27. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what estimate he has made of the possible increases in building costs in 1968 as a direct result of current legislative proposals.

Mr. Mellish

It is too early to say.

Mr. Irvine

As the right hon. Gentleman is well aware that costs are rising steeply, how does he expect the industry to go on making satisfactory estimates, especially since he has already said twice today that it is too early to make estimates either with regard to the Transport Bill or generally?

Mr. Mellish

The Question related to possible increases in building costs in 1968. The proposals in the Transport Bill are not likely to affect costs in 1968.

Mr. G. Campbell

As the right hon. Gentleman's earlier Answers on this matter were very complacent, will he look at the Transport Bill to see what the extra costs beyond 1968 will be for the industry?

Mr. Mellish

I have already told the hon. Gentleman that I have tried to ensure that the views of the industry, which I readily understand—particularly those of some individual firms—have been made known to the Minister of Transport personally and also to British Rail. I understand that these discussions are going very well.