§ 25. Mr. Cleggasked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will make a further statement on the work of the Agrément Board.
§ Mr. MellishIn appraising and certifying new construction methods and materials, the Board is making a valuable contribution to the acceptance of new ideas in the construction industry. The record of certificates issued to date—three in 1967, 21 in 1968, and five so far this year, with a firm prospect of over thirty more at the present moment—is evidence of a growing realisation by the construction industry and its suppliers of the value of the board's services.
§ Mr. CleggI thank the Minister for that progress report on the Board and the valuable work it is doing. Would he keep an eye on the fees which it is charging to ensure that the public expense involved does not grow too much while fees are kept down?
§ Mr. MellishI take the hon. Gentleman's point. This is one of the great problems. In the early days costs are that much higher than they are, I hope, later when that much more work is done and costs can come down. We have to give the Board a grant in aid of about £60,000 in the current financial year, but I hope that eventually it will be self-supporting.
§ overseas. As far as I know, they are doing a very good job.
§ Following is the information: