HC Deb 10 June 1969 vol 784 cc1217-8
23. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what progress he has made in his studies of the relationship between his Department's directly-employed labour force and the maintenance workers directly employed by local authorities: and whether he will make a statement.

26. Mr. Holland

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will make a statement on his Department's studies of the possibility of co-operation between his own direct labour force and those of local authorities.

Mr. John Silkin

I am not yet in a position to make a statement, but as I told my hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Ashton) on 20th May, I do not rule this out.—[Vol. 784, c. 246.]

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Does that mean that the studies which the right hon. Gentleman said in reply to a Question on 20th May he was to undertake, have started, and when in his estimate will they be completed?

Mr. Silkin

The hon. Gentleman is far too kind to me. Three weeks is not a very long time, especially when two weeks have been spent in Recess. When the various improvements in my D.E.L. as outlined in my statement of 20th May have come into effect, that will be the moment to consider this question.

Mr. Holland

In view of the failure of a number of these direct labour organisations, is not the best way in which the right hon. Gentleman could give them the consideration his hon. Friend suggests they deserve be to take no further action?

Mr. Silkin

The hon. Gentleman has made an interesting comment, but it is not a view which is universally shared. Many local authority direct labour organisations are extremely successful and it is interesting to note that many private enterprise undertakings also have efficient direct labour forces.

Mr. Arnold Shaw

Would net my right hon. Friend agree that it would be an advantage to local authorities if he outlined to them the lessons he has learned from his own D.E.L.?

Mr. Silkin

There may be lessons not only for local authorities, but for all others in the operation of D.E.L. by my Ministry. I will certainly get in touch with my right hon. Friends about this.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider putting in the Library a copy of the Labour Party's This Week dated 16th May which contained much more information than the right hon. Gentleman gave to the House in his statement?

Mr. Silkin

I will always consider anything the hon. Gentleman suggests.

Mr. Heffer

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that if he is to go into this matter in some depth, he should also consider the number of bankruptcies among private enterprise building firms? The number is legion, higher than for any other industry. Will he also recognise that local authorities provide conditions of employment about 20 per cent. better than those in private enterprise?

Mr. Silkin

My hon. Friend made the same point to me on 20th May and my reply is the same.