§ 42. Mr. Urwinasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he is taking to make the work being carried out by his Department on the design and development of furniture and furnishings more widely known.
§ Mr. MellishEvery opportunity is taken of publicising this work at the principal furniture exhibitions. A display of domestic furniture is currently being shown at the Ideal Home Exhibition, and a wider range of office, domestic and laboratory furniture will be on show at the Contract Furnishing Exhibition at, Olympia in May. An exhibition at the 964 Design Centre is planned for the early part of next year.
§ Mr. UrwinI am sure that the House will welcome the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman. Could he tell us the extent of the participation of his Department from the point of view of the supply of furniture and furnishings?
§ Mr. MellishWe are responsible for giving orders to the value of about £15 million of furniture a year. My Department has made a great contribution to the design of furniture. It is recognised throughout the industry as being the largest customer. It can, therefore, have the biggest impact on the furniture of tomorrow.