HC Deb 04 February 1969 vol 777 cc183-4
2. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what effects he has measured in recent months of the ending of building control licensing; whether he is now satisfied that all home-produced building materials are abundantly available; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellish

It is still too early to assess the impact of the suspension of building licensing. The situation will remain under review. No national shortage of major home-produced building materials is envisaged during 1969.

Sir G. Nabarro

Why was this expensive Aunt Sally set up at all? After two years of blathering, the right hon. Gentleman abolished it. Is it not a fact that he now finds that he can do well without it? Why is he so enamoured of this form of control?

Mr. Mellish

I did not set it up personally. I am the one who abolished it.

Mr. W. Baxter

There is a serious aspect to these two Questions. Has my right hon. Friend given serious consideration to copper substitution in the building industry, since he must be aware that the present cost of copper is almost prohibitive in building? Is not greater research required so as to give better substitutes for copper?

Mr. Mellish

My hon. Friend is right, and I accept that there is a serious point behind the Questions. Copper is mainly used for piping in plumbing, as hon. Members know. Research is now being done into the production of alternative materials to copper in domestic plumbing systems and into ways of economising in the use of copper. Thin-wall copper tubing is coming into fairly widespread use.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is beginning to be concern in the industry about mounting stocks of bricks, especially in view of the Government's announcement that housing starts are likely to be lower than last year?

Mr. Mellish

I do not see how that necessarily links up with the Question on the Order Paper. The brick makers themselves have made no representations to me, but in view of what the hon. Gentleman has said I will discuss the matter with them.