HC Deb 15 July 1969 vol 787 cc384-5
8. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will now outline his policy regarding the proposal of the Estimates Committee that he should introduce legislation to amend the Commissioners of Works Act, 1852.

13. Mr. Clark Hutchison

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what progress he has made with his review of the possibility of making firmer advance commitments of the Government's office building programme; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Loughlin

My right hon. Friend is awaiting the outcome of an interdepartmental working party.

Mr. Costain

Since on 11th March it was announced that the Ministry was looking into the matter, will not the Minister take away some of the inertia he has mentioned and say whether or not he finds favour with the proposal? How many Parliamentary Questions do we have to put down before something is done?

Mr. Loughlin

I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman is now becoming so impetuous; it is out of character. This issue involves a major judgment in carrying through the policy of our Department, which in one way or another costs a good deal of money. The Estimates Committee made a recommendation; we have set up an inter-departmental committee to examine it, and we cannot move until we have examined it.

Mr. Clark Hutchison

Is the Scottish Office represented on this inter-departmental committee, and what representations has it made?

Mr. Loughlin

I am extremely sorry but I do not know. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] I will make inquiries and write to the hon. Gentleman.