Direct Labour Building Departments (Hansard, 18 February 1969)

§ 26. Mr. Murton
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government for how long the Working Party on the Financial Control of Local Authority Direct Labour Building Departments has been in existence; and when he expects it to report to him.

§ Mr. MacColl
The working party first met in July, 1968. My right hon. Friend expects to receive its report within the next few weeks.

§ Mr. Murton
Has not a working party in the Department been busy since 1967 producing a manual on the principles of direct labour? When will the Lloyd-Thomas report be published?

§ Mr. MacColl
This working party, which was set up in consultation with the local authority associations, will provide valuable assistance to direct labour departments.

§ Mr. Marks
Can the working party make a special examination of the situation of the direct works department in Manchester which has arisen recently?

§ Mr. MacColl
The working party is providing a manual for the efficient conduct of direct labour departments. My right hon. Friend is anxious to do all he can to assist in promoting the efficiency of direct labour departments. That is not the same as trying to close them when they are doing a very good job.