§ 18. Mr. Currieasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what studies he has instituted on the scope and extent of Government participation in the commercial activities of private building firms: and what has been the findings of these studies.
§ Mr. MellishNo such studies have been instituted.
§ Mr. CurrieI deplore this fact. Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that the terms of the Industrial Expansion Bill seek to impose further Government restrictions on the building industry? In view of the Minister's recent speech at Harrogate, when tribute was paid to the achievements of the industry, would he not agree that further Government interference would be deplorable and liable to curtail that industry's activities?
§ Mr. MellishI do not know why the hon. Gentleman has said all that. I have just told him that I am having no such studies made. So far as the Industrial Expansion Bill is concerned, I have already assured the industry that I shall use no powers in that Bill without consultations with the industry. The hon. Gentleman does not have to tell me that this is a good industry: I think that it is first-class.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonThen what is the significance of the right hon. Gentleman's signature on the Bill?
§ Mr. MellishIt is that, if I wanted to take power to improve and help the industry, the powers would be available under that Bill, but I give the assurance again that I would not do so without consulting the industry.