HC Deb 15 July 1969 vol 787 c387
14. Mr. Jopling asked

the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he plans to take to reduce the 23 departmental committees on which builders are currently serving; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Loughlin

None, Sir.

Mr. Jopling

If I am right in understanding the answer to be "None", does not the Minister remember that the Construction Materials Group was abolished because its membership overlapped that of the E.D.C.? Does not he think that he could scrap more of these 23 committees and let the builders get on with their job of building?

Mr. Loughlin

The hon. Gentleman should recognise that there are three major national committees here. If one takes Wales and Scotland, there are 13 regional committees. According to the opinions of both sides of the industry, the other committees are important. Does the hon. Gentleman want me to scrap some of the regional committees?

As for the E.D.C. and the National Consultative Council, there is every means by which we ensure that there is no overlapping of any kind.