HC Deb 29 May 1968 vol 765 cc1819-20
33. Mr. Lubbock

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a grant to the Design Centre for the installation of an air-conditioning plant there.

Mrs. Gwyneth Donwoody

The Design Centre already has an air-conditioning plant and part of the grant-in-aid has recently been spent on its maintenance. Possitde improvements and their cost are being discussed in the first instance be-

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Can the Minister say, on a small practical point, why the quotas cannot be on a quarterly basis?

Mr. Mallalieu

I understand that there are considerable difficulties with the trade. We have been having discussions with it for some time and the countries concerned, to see whether we can get round this. Perhaps we may be able to.

Mr. Arthur Davidson

Can my hon. Friend say when we can expect the report from the Textile Council?

Mr. Mallalieu

Very soon, I hope—in the autumn. We have been having great difficulty with the weaving section of the industry, many parts of which have not so far filled in the questionnaire giving necessary details. We propose to twist their arms a bit.

Following is the information:

tween the Council and the Ministry of Public Building and Works.

Mr. Lubbock

Is the hon. Lady aware that the installation of a modern air-conditioning plant in the building would be a first-class advertisement for British design and engineering?

Mrs. Dunwoody

I am sure that it would. I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that although in the previous five years less than £200 was spent on air conditioning, during 1961 to 1963 a cooling tower and seven cooling units were installed at a cost of £5,600.