§ 17. Mr. Goodhartasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what representations he has received to set up a Government Building Corporation; and what reply he has sent.
§ 18. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will make a statement on his policy regarding the setting up of a Government Building Corporation.
§ Mr. John SilkinI have received no representation from any quarter about a Government Building Corporation, but I am willing to examine any relevant proposals which might lead to improved efficiency in the industry.
§ Mr. GoodhartCan the Minister give an assurance that he will not waste his time on plans for yet another wasteful public corporation, but will instead concentrate his efforts on trying to reduce the burdens that the Government have put on industry, burdens such as S.E.T.?
§ Mr. SilkinI will certainly give the hon. Member an assurance that I will not waste my time, but I do not accept the rest of his question.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that if a building corporation were brought into being it would certainly increase building costs? Will he resist such a proposal?
§ Mr. SilkinI would not agree, because in any event I have not yet considered the question, but if the hon. Gentleman would like me to consider it I should be delighted to do so.
§ Mr. HefferWould not my right hon. Friend agree that a building corporation could well augment the housing programme in the great cities with the most serious housing problems? Will he look sympathetically at any scheme which may be put before him by the trade unions or by individual hon. Members which could help towards that end?
§ Mr. SilkinI will always look sympathetically at any scheme put forward to me by trade unions or individual hon. Members, especially my hon. Friend.